Kerala mulls legislation to bans weapons training at places of worship

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the RSS and the PFI were engaged in arms training in places of worship. If necessary, the state government will ban these practices through a law," Pinarayi said. The Kerala CM stated that strict action would also be taken against police officials who leak the names of informers.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday informed the Assembly that if need arises, the state government will come up with a new law banning arms training at places of worship.

Replying to a question that came up in the House form both treasury and opposition benches, the Chief Minister alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Popular Front of India (PFI) were engaged in arms training in places of worship.

"The state government views this practice seriously. This is happening in places of worship which is wrong because these places are meant for praying. If necessary, the state government will ban these practices through a law," Pinarayi said.

The Kerala CM stated that strict action would also be taken against police officials who leak the names of informers who report to the police about such training centres. "The state government will protect all those who provide information and erring police officials will be proceeded against," he added.

Pinarayi said it had come to his notice that these organisations forcibly take over land in educational institutions and private properties to provide arms training. He warned of strict action against such complaints.

(With agency inputs)