poverty
Amended sacrilege law is a new reality for believers in Punjab State
By Katie O'Malley at Mission Network News
· June 12, 2026
· 3 min read
India (MNN) — New legislation in India’s Punjab State has Christians concerned that persecution against them will increase. Punjab’s population is majority Sikh, a monotheistic religion that reveres its holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. A recent amendment to Punjab's sacrilege law has increased
Key takeaway Joe Handley with A3 explains that the new legislation was sparked by someone tearing up a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Why this matters
The amended sacrilege law in Punjab State raises concerns about the potential for increased persecution of Christians in the region. While Punjab has historically had a relatively harmonious relationship between the Sikh and Christian communities, this new legislation may create an environment of heightened tension. The fact that the law focuses on the treatment of Sikh scriptures, but could potentially be applied to other forms of communication, is particularly troubling. This development is part of a broader trend of religious freedom concerns in India, where several states have implemented anti-conversion laws. The situation in Punjab highlights the need for continued vigilance and advocacy on behalf of religious minorities, as well as support for Christians and other believers who may face increased pressure and persecution. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to monitor how the new law is implemented and enforced, and to consider the potential implications for Christian ministry and outreach in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by Mission Network News . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: poverty ·
Published: June 12, 2026 ·
Source: Mission Network News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? India (MNN) — New legislation in India’s Punjab State has Christians concerned that persecution against them will increase. Punjab’s population is majority Sikh, a monotheistic religion that reveres its holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. A recent amendment to Punjab's sacrilege law has increased
When was this published? This article was first published on June 12, 2026 by Mission Network News and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Katie O'Malley at Mission Network News. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more poverty coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .