17 March, 2026 – Jalandhar : Members of the Christian community today raised objections to Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement regarding a bill against religious conversions in the Punjab, made during his recent ‘Badlaav Rally’ in Moga.
Addressing the media at the Punjab Press Club in Jalandhar today, Hamid Masih, president of the Punjab Christian Movement along with other leaders, claimed the Home Minister’s statements were directed at the Christian community. Masih registered his objection to the statement, saying “such comments sow discord and bitterness”.
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Notably, during his recent rally in the state, the Home Minister said, “In Punjab, development and peace aren’t possible without Sikh and Hindu unity and under (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi, Sikh-Hindu unity could thrive.”
The Congress and AAP, in greed of vote bank, facilitate religious conversions. They don’t know that the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bhagdur Sahib sacrificed himself to stop religious conversions. Make a BJP government in state once and we will put an end to drugs and “Dharm Parivatran”.
Addressing the press, Masih said, “The recent statement regarding religious conversions in the state by Home Minister Amit Shah, has attempted to sow bitterness and discord in society. The Christian brotherhood in Punjab peacefully coexists with brethren of other religious dispensations. But such statements cause divisions. He has said if BJP comes to power in state, it will bring a bill against religious conversions. On previous occasions also the issues had been raised by him.”
Masih added, “The brotherhood among various communities in the state is strong. We stay together and don’t have any religious opposition to each other. But such comments clearly indicate the politics based on social and religious divisions. We just want to say, such kind of politics won’t work in Punjab. Punjab welcomes people who talk about brotherhood, oneness and unity among communities. Discourses on divisions, to hurt communal brotherhood won’t be tolerated here.”
When asked why Christians came into question if the HM was just speaking about religious conversions, Masih responded, “As far as religious conversion is concerned, we have asked many times, what cases or complaints have been received against us. We (religious communities) don’t make allegations against each other. We all go to temples and gurdwaras. My neighbour is a Sikh and a brahmin.”
Masih also added that the constitution of India gives everyone the freedom to choose their religion.
The Tribune