Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab BJP Vice President Dr. Subhash Sharma has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the state government to enact a stringent law to prevent religious conversions in Punjab. He said the increasing reports of religious conversions in the state are a matter of concern and require immediate attention.
In his letter, Dr. Sharma stated that several states in India have already enacted laws regulating religious conversions, but Punjab is yet to introduce similar legislation. He urged the government to frame a law aimed at preventing forced or inducement-based conversions.
Referring to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Dr. Sharma said the Sikh Guru sacrificed his life to uphold religious freedom and oppose forced conversions. He added that the occasion should inspire serious discussion on the issue of alleged religious conversions taking place in Punjab.
The BJP leader alleged that economically weaker and vulnerable sections of society are being offered various inducements to change their religion. He said a strong legal framework is necessary to curb such practices and protect social harmony.
Dr. Sharma also called for an impartial investigation into organisations allegedly involved in illegal conversion activities and sought a probe into foreign-funded networks operating in the state. He urged the government to ensure that anyone found violating the law does not receive political patronage.
He further said the issue extends beyond any particular religion or community and has wider social and security implications for Punjab as a border state. He appealed to the state government to take prompt action and introduce the necessary legislation to address the issue.
