Punjab doesn't need anti-conversion bill: Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on church vandalism

Strict action will be taken against the culprits under the existing laws, Harpal Singh Cheema told India Today TV.

There is no need to bring an anti-conversion bill in Punjab, the state’s finance minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, said, a day after a church was vandalized in the state’s Tarn Taran district. Idols inside the church were broken and a car was set on fire inside the premises.

“Punjab is a secular state. It is the land of Gurus and there has not been a riot. Strict action will be taken against the culprits. Everyone is free to practice any religion. But no one should be coerced,” Cheema told India Today TV.

“There is also no need to bring in an anti-conversion bill. We will act using the existing laws. The opposition parties are using this to further their agenda,” the AAP minister said.

Last night, a few masked men entered the church in the district’s Thakarpura village, vandalized idols and set cars on fire. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a probe and said no one will be allowed to disturb brotherhood and harmony in the state.

The Punjab minister also spoke about the liquor scam plaguing their government in Delhi. “Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have already spoken. We are utterly honest,” Cheema said.

Also Read: | Church vandalised in Punjab’s Tarn Taran, CM Bhagwant Mann orders probe