Religious conversions spark blame game in Punjab

The issue of religious conversions in the state has triggered a blame game, with the SGPC accusing the Centre of failing to act, while Sikh bodies criticising the apex gurdwara panel for “ignoring” marginalised members of the community.

The issue came to spotlight when Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed concern over conversions in Punjab during a Maharashtra Government programme held to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Navi Mumbai recently.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) spokesperson Gurcharan Singh Grewal slammed the BJP-led Centre, saying it failed to curb the foreign funding being used to finance conversion activities in the state.

He said congregations were being organised in districts adjoining the International Border with Pakistan to convert state residents by offering monetary benefits.

“The Centre failed to scrutinise the foreign funding that pours in for holding controversial congregations,” he added.

Grewal said the conversion into other faiths, especially Christianity, prospered due to unscrupulous pastors tricking the illiterate and poor people, making them believe in miracles. He said Sikhs belonging to poor families were being offered free education, better jobs and foreign settlement.

Dalit and Minority Organisation president Kashmir Singh said the SGPC “needed to introspect” as Mazhbi Sikhs in rural areas and Valmiki Sikhs in urban centres were increasingly converting to Christianity. “They are offered money, free treatment for illnesses, jobs and free education. The Dalit Sikhs have neither been given adequate representation in Sikh affairs nor supported by the SGPC,” he alleged. Amritsar-based Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Khalsa ‘Dhuma’ said the conversion incidents in Punjab were probably the highest in India.

“A majority of them belonged to poor families. They lag behind due to lack of opportunities and social exclusion. “They fall prey to such tactics as they know that they would never be taken into the mainstream by our Sikh institutions,” he said pointing fingers at the SGPC.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DSGMC) ‘dharam parchar’ in-charge for Punjab Manjit Singh Bhoma also blamed the SGPC for failure to strengthen religious outreach. “The SGPC budget runs into crores, still it could not spare a thought for economically weaker Sikh families. The SGPC and its political arm Akali Dal never opposed the illegal Christian congregations for fear of losing the vote bank,” he said.

Former moderator of the Church of North India, Bishop P K Samantaroy, said that the mainstream church management never endorsed the forcible conversion.