Tensions in Jalandhar have de-escalated after the Punjab State Minorities Commission chairman announced the cancellation of a planned road blockade. This decision came swiftly following the arrest of a prominent activist who had been leading protests against certain religious figures in the state.
Arrest Prevents Escalation of Protest
The situation reached a critical point when police arrested Punjab Bachao Morcha president Tejasvi Minhas in the early hours of Sunday. Minhas was taken into custody in connection with a First Information Report (FIR) registered on November 26. The charges against him, under Sections 285 and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertained to blocking a road and disobedience to orders promulgated by a public servant.
The arrest was directly linked to an earlier incident where Minhas and others had gathered outside the Model Town gurdwara intending to take out a procession. Police intervened at the time and accepted a memorandum from the group on the spot instead.
The Chain of Events Leading to the Crisis
The roots of the conflict trace back to Wednesday, when Tejasvi Minhas and activist Bhana Sidhu led a protest outside the Enforcement Directorate office in Jalandhar. They submitted a memorandum demanding an inquiry against Pastor Ankur Narula and his ministry, alleging "illegal conversions" and miracle healing practices.
The protest took a provocative turn when effigies of Pastor Ankur Narula and his wife Sonia Narula were burnt. This act triggered immediate and widespread condemnation from the Christian community.
In response, the Global Christian Action Committee, various pastors, and followers of Pastor Narula organized protests at different locations across Punjab. The situation threatened to spiral out of control, leading to the call for a major blockade at PAP Chowk in Jalandhar on Monday.
Official Intervention and Community Reaction
Punjab State Minorities Commission chairman Jatinder Masih 'Gaurav' took strong exception to the burning of the effigies and the use of what he termed "objectionable expression" against religious leaders and their followers. In a live-streamed statement on Friday evening, Masih stated that these actions had caused deep anger within the community.
"I have directed the Jalandhar Commissioner of Police and have also sent in writing that action should be taken against Minhas and others, and they should be thrown in jail," Masih declared during his broadcast.
Following Minhas's arrest on Sunday, Chairman Masih again took to live streaming in the afternoon to announce his decision to call off the planned blockade of PAP Chowk. He stated that members of the community would instead hold a meeting at the Khambra church and emphasized that no one would be allowed to disturb the state's peaceful atmosphere.
Legal Turnaround and Allegations of Pressure
The drama, however, took another turn later on Sunday. When Tejasvi Minhas was produced before a local court, his counsel, Sanjiv Bansal, appeared on his behalf. The judge ordered his release in the evening.
Upon gaining his freedom, Minhas issued a strong statement vowing to take legal action against the police. He alleged harassment and a direct violation of his fundamental rights, claiming his arrest was based on "entirely baseless charges." Minhas further accused the police of acting under direct political pressure, setting the stage for a potential legal battle.
The series of events highlights the ongoing religious and social tensions in parts of Punjab, with allegations of conversion activities sparking public confrontations. The swift arrest and subsequent release, coupled with the cancellation of the major blockade, have temporarily defused the situation in Jalandhar, but the underlying issues remain unresolved.
