On November 12, the Punjab Bachao Andolan (PBA), also known as the Save Punjab Movement, revealed plans to pursue legal measures against what it described as large-scale “illegal” religious conversions carried out by Christian missionaries in Punjab.
According to statements from the newly formed group, authorities are failing to enforce existing laws related to missionary visas and “miracle cures,” prompting the organisation to call for a dedicated anti-conversion law in the state.
PBA leader Tejasvi Minhas claimed that roughly 65,000 pastors are actively involved in converting people and said that the Christian population in Punjab has grown significantly in recent years. Media coverage has highlighted the increase, publishing images and videos of large Christian worship gatherings across the state, which has raised concern among certain Hindu nationalist groups.
Unlike many northern Indian states where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governs and has enacted strict anti-conversion laws, Punjab currently lacks such legislation. In states where these laws exist, civil rights advocates have criticized them for infringing on the freedom to practice religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
The PBA accused pastors operating in Punjab of using coercion, financial incentives, and false “miracle cures” in violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954, as well as provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly the Indian Penal Code). The group further alleged that the Christian population has grown from 1.26% in 2011 to nearly 15% today, suggesting widespread conversions over the past decade.
The organisation also highlighted concerns about foreign nationals participating in conversions without proper missionary visas. Minhas stated that PBA plans to submit memorandums to the chief minister, the governor, and the chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and intends to file public interest litigations on the matter.
Additionally, the PBA expressed worries about the use of agricultural land for temporary Christian worship centers, known as “deras,” the impact of loudspeakers, and religious advertising on local communities. The group has also called for an updated religious census, a review of reservation benefits for Christian converts, and investigations into alleged foreign funding of missionary activities.
Adapted from ICC.
