: Nine persons belonging to seven Christian families were “reconverted” to Hinduism at a ceremony held on Sunday under the auspices of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) at the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Anaprambal, Thalavady, near Edathua.

According to VHP Sabarigiri Vibhag joint secretary K. Jayakumar, those who re-converted belonged to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. As per the organisational structure of the VHP, the Sabarigiri Vibhag included the revenue districts of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta.

“Initially, 26 persons hailing from 10 families had requested, in writing, to the VHP to arrange the ceremony. Owing to various reasons, only a few turned up for the rituals. They were not coerced or attracted by the allurement of benefits to participate in the ceremony.

They claimed that they were being denied their just benefits owing to technical reasons. The families had been planning to convert to Hinduism for a long while. They have now come forward with the support of their relatives,” he said.

Mr. Jayakumar added that reconversion ceremonies would soon be organised for the others who had expressed willingness to return to the Hindu faith.