Sikh Body Alleges Over 3,000 Conversions in Border Villages; Authorities Begin Investigation
Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, May 18 — Authorities in Pilibhit district have launched an official investigation into allegations of large-scale illegal conversions of Sikhs to Christianity, following a formal complaint from a Sikh delegation.District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Singh confirmed on Saturday that the probe was initiated after members of the All India Sikh Punjabi Welfare Council approached him with concerns. "A delegation of Sikhs met us on Friday, alleging large-scale illegal conversion of Sikhs. I have directed the sub-divisional magistrate of Puranpur to look into the matter along with the district police," he said.
Allegations of Inducement and Coercion
During the meeting, the Sikh representatives claimed that approximately 3,000 individuals from the Sikh community had recently converted to Christianity. They submitted a list of 160 families they allege were among those converted.Harpal Singh Jaggi, a member of the delegation, told the media that "Nepali pastors are forcibly converting individuals through inducements." He alleged that pressure tactics, temptations, and false promises of curing illnesses were being used to lure vulnerable individuals, especially in the border villages of the district. Jaggi claimed these activities have been ongoing since 2020.
He also referenced an event held in February where, according to him, 180 families had “returned home” to Sikhism after initially converting to Christianity.
FIR Registered Against Accused
In connection with these claims, an FIR was registered on May 13 at the Hazara police station. The case names eight individuals along with several unidentified persons, all accused of being involved in illegal conversions.The investigation is currently underway, with district officials and police jointly examining the scope and validity of the allegations.