Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Punjab Bachao Morcha Demands Anti-Conversion Law, Other Measures
A group in Punjab called the Punjab Bachao Morcha wants a new law to stop people from being unfairly convinced to change their religion.
Their leader, Tejasvi Minhas, said many religious leaders are using fake cures and pressure to convert people.
They believe the number of Christians in Punjab has grown a lot, from a small percentage to about 15%, because of these unfair practices.
The group also thinks foreigners are involved in these conversions without the right visas.
They plan to ask the government to make a new law, stop reservation benefits for people who convert, and investigate how these groups get money from other countries.
They are even offering money to anyone who can show proof of these illegal conversions.
Punjab Bachao Morcha demands an anti-conversion law in Punjab.
The organization alleges large-scale illegal religious conversions by 'godmen and pastors' using enticement, coercion, and fake miracle cures.
They claim the Christian population in Punjab has increased from 1.26% in 2011 to nearly 15%, attributing it to conversions.
The group demands the withdrawal of reservation benefits for those converting from Hinduism and Sikhism to Christianity.
They plan to file Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and have offered a Rs 2 lakh reward for proof of illegal conversions.
- Who
- Punjab Bachao Morcha, led by Tejasvi Minhas
- What
- Demanded an anti-conversion bill, sought withdrawal of reservation benefits for converts, alleged illegal religious conversions, and offered a reward for proof.
- When
- Wednesday, November 12 (specific year not mentioned)
- Where
- Punjab Press Club in Jalandhar, Punjab
- Why
- To stop alleged widespread, unlawful religious conversions through enticement, coercion, and fake miracle cures, and to address concerns about foreign funding and land use.
Punjab Bachao Morcha's Stance
Implicit Counterarguments/Unaddressed Issues
Religious Conversions
Punjab Bachao Morcha's Stance
The group alleges large-scale illegal religious conversions by 'godmen and pastors' through enticement, coercion, and fake miracle cures, claiming the Christian population has surged from 1.26% in 2011 to nearly 15%. They advocate for an anti-conversion bill.
Implicit Counterarguments/Unaddressed Issues
The provided text does not include perspectives from religious groups being converted or organizations representing them. The statistics on population growth are presented as factual claims by the Morcha, without independent verification or acknowledgment of other demographic factors.
Foreign Involvement in Conversions
Punjab Bachao Morcha's Stance
They claim foreign nationals on tourist or employment visas are involved in conversions, which legally requires a missionary visa. They allege these foreigners are not obtaining the necessary visas.
Implicit Counterarguments/Unaddressed Issues
The extent and nature of foreign nationals' involvement are presented as allegations. The article doesn't detail whether these individuals are knowingly violating visa regulations or if there are legitimate explanations.
Reservation Benefits
Punjab Bachao Morcha's Stance
The Morcha demands the withdrawal of reservation benefits for individuals who convert to Christianity from Hinduism and Sikhism.
Implicit Counterarguments/Unaddressed Issues
The legal and social implications of withdrawing reservation benefits for converts are not discussed, nor are the potential arguments of affected communities or civil rights advocates.
Land Use and Religious Practices
Punjab Bachao Morcha's Stance
Concerns are raised about the use of loudspeakers and advertisements that disturb peace and religious sentiments, and the conversion of agricultural land for the construction of deras.
Implicit Counterarguments/Unaddressed Issues
The Morcha's specific concerns about land use and religious practices lack counterarguments or alternative perspectives from landowners, religious institutions, or local communities.
- Organization
- Punjab Bachao Morcha
- President
- Tejasvi Minhas
- Main Demand
- Introduction of an anti-conversion bill in Punjab
- Alleged Number of Pastors
- 65,000
- Alleged Christian Population Growth
- From 1.26% (2011 Census) to nearly 15%
- Reward for Proof of Illegal Conversions
- Rs 2 lakh
- Other Demands
- Updated religious census, withdrawal of reservation benefits for converts, investigation into foreign funding, ban on magic miracles.
