NCM members meet representatives of Sikh and Christian Communities
Radiance News Service
The National Commission for Minorities convened a meeting of the representatives of Sikh and Christian Communities on 16.06.2022 to discuss the issue of allegations of forced conversion of SIKH TO CHRISTIANITY in Punjab. Representatives of both the communities welcomed the initiative taken by National Commission for Minorities to start a dialogue between both the Communities for an amicable and mutually acceptable solution to the problem.
After detailed deliberations and exchange of views, it was concluded that both sides appreciated that platform for dialogue on a sensitive matter and a need to continue the dialogue.
The Sikh representatives were of the view that since the allegations and happening in Punjab have become a matter of concern at the highest level, this festering problem should not be neglected and it should be addressed urgently.
On their part, the representatives of the Church organizations reiterated that they are totally against any forcible conversion through fraudulent means or false promises of miraculous healing, cash incentive etc. and they do condone such acts.
The representatives of both the Communities agreed that the Dialogue on this issue will continue. The next meeting can be organized either in Punjab or in Delhi inviting representatives of Bishops from Punjab and Jathedar, Shri Akal Takhat.
The following delegates attended the meeting along with NCM officials :-
NCM Officials:
Honble Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura
MEMBER Rinchen Lhamo
MEMBER Dhanyakumar Jinappa Gunde
Secretary Siddharth Kishore Dev Verman
Delegates
(i) AC Michael, Former Member of Delhi Minorities Commission & National Coordinator, United Christian Forum.
(ii) Rev Fr Felix Jones, Director, Inter-faith Relations, SVD Sadbhavna, Church Complex, Masihgarh, SukhdevVihar, Okhla, New Delhi – 110 025.
(iii) Lucas Masih, Vice President of Punjab Christian Community.
(iv) Commissioner Daniel RajuDasari, Salvation Army.
(v) S Karnail Singh Panjoli, General Secretary, SGPC.
(vi) S Sarvan Singh, Member, Executive Committee, SGPC.
(vii) S Satwinder Singh, Member, SGPC.
(viii) S Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Member, SGPC.
(ix) S Balwinder Singh, Secretary, DharamPrachar Committee, SGPC.
(x) S Surinder Pal Singh, In-charge, Sikh Mission, Delhi, SGPC.
(xi) S Jaskaran Singh, Writer, IT Department, SGPC.
(xii) Surinder Singh, Fatehgarh, Punjab