Religious leaders raise voice against illegal conversions in Punjab

Udaseen Taksaal International, a religious organisation, is actively raising awareness in Punjab about what it describes as a growing issue of illegal religious conversions. The Taksaal’s head, Sant Gurpreet Singh Udasi, who returned to Punjab from the US a year ago, has brought this matter back into public and governmental focus.

Speaking on behalf of the Taksaal, Baba Gurpreet Singh stated that individuals converting to Christianity should not retain outward Sikh symbols, such as the turban, or continue using Sikh names, as this misleads the public regarding their religious identity. He emphasised that if individuals choose to convert, they should do so legally, officially changing their identification and surrendering any Scheduled Caste (SC) benefits associated with their previous faith. He also called for the implementation of the Drugs and Magical Remedies Act in Punjab to combat fraudulent miracle cures and misleading spiritual practices that he claims are being used to lure people into conversions.

Highlighting the need for legislative action, Gurpreet Singh Udasi pointed out that several states, including Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, have enacted laws against illegal conversions. He criticised the state government for failing to take similar steps or acknowledge the seriousness of the issue.

This renewed appeal received support from various religious and social leaders, including Mahant Arun Giri Ji of Shri Panch Dashnam Bhairav Juna Akhara, Balwinder Singh Khalsa of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Charitable Trust, and Namdhari representatives Sant Davinder Singh, Pritpal Singh Namdhari, and Rinku Namdhari. Davinder Singh Pehalwan, associated with the Dharm Jagran campaign, was also present.

The collective statement condemned the government’s inaction and urged immediate intervention to protect the cultural and religious fabric of Punjab. They warned that if their demands continue to be ignored, public pressure and mobilisation on the issue will intensify.