Amritsar, Sep 17 (PTI) Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney, who switched to the BJP from AAP, on Thursday said religious conversions through allurement, coercion, threat, or fraudulent means would not be tolerated in Punjab.
Talking to the media after a meeting, ‘Punjab Chintan Baithak’, organised by him here, Sahney also said that there is no concern with voluntary conversion.
He said that in the meeting, more than 40 prominent Sikh saints and religious leaders from different parts of Punjab deliberated upon pressing social challenges facing the state.
Sahney said illegal religious conversion and the drug menace in the state were among the key issues discussed at the meeting.
The participants unanimously emphasised that while all religions must be respected and freedom of faith and conscience upheld, unlawful religious conversions through allurement, superstition, coercion, threat, undue influence or fraudulent means cannot be accepted, he said.
“Our concern is not with any religion or with voluntary faith, but with unlawful practices that exploit vulnerability. At the same time, we must introspect within our own society and remove every form of discrimination that creates a sense of alienation,” he added.
He also said that the participants expressed concern over reported demographic changes in the state.
“Sikhism has always stood for equality and dignity, yet we have allowed caste divisions to persist in our villages and even around our gurdwaras,” he said.
“This is an area where we have to introspect and act. The Manjha and Doaba regions, which have been the historic nucleus of Sikhism, require greater social outreach and engagement,” he stated.
He suggested removing caste discrimination from villages, besides there was a dire need to ensure the dignified reintegration of those who voluntarily return to the Sikh-fold.
The Rajya Sabha MP also suggested providing economic support to Scheduled Caste families, particularly for education and healthcare. He underlined the need to expand the ‘Sikhya Langar’ movement across Punjab for youth empowerment.
Talking about drug addictions in Punjab, he said the menace was the second major issue discussed at the meeting, with participants expressing concern over the continuing drug supply chain and its impact on families and youth.
Government data shows that Punjab has witnessed an increase of 164 per cent in admissions to drug de-addiction centres.
Sahney said the drug crisis requires a two-pronged response– breaking the supply chain and strengthening de-addiction, rehabilitation and reintegration.
The meeting also discussed youth unemployment, debt, environmental and water concerns, agriculture, and other challenges.
The meeting resolved to carry the deliberations forward through a broader social movement focused on addressing unlawful religious conversions, eliminating caste discrimination, strengthening social and economic support for vulnerable communities, empowering Punjab’s youth and contributing to a sustained response to the state’s drug challenge, Sahney said. PTI JMS CHS KVK KVK
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