Agartala, Dec — Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Friday asserted that the time has come to build a strong social movement against forced religious conversion and said such issues must be highlighted at both national and international levels. He was speaking to media persons at the Gurudwara at Chan Mari on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas.
Recalling the supreme sacrifices of the Sahibzadas, the third and fourth sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Chief Minister highlighted the atrocities they faced at a very young age. Dr Saha said the two Sahibzadas, aged just nine and six years respectively, were subjected to extreme cruelty by the then Mughal ruler Aurangzeb as they refused to renounce their faith.
“The limits of inhumanity were crossed when the children were immured alive simply because they declined to accept Islam. Such was the brutality of the act that even several Muslims, including officials serving in the Mughal administration, opposed it. History tells us that the wall behind which they were buried later collapsed,” the Chief Minister said.
He noted that the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas continue to inspire generations, especially children. “We often assess children only by their age, but proper education and values help unlock their true potential,” Dr Saha added.
Expressing concern over forced religious conversions, the Chief Minister said religion should remain a private matter. “People of all faiths must have the freedom to practice and perform their religious rituals without fear or coercion. However, we must remain vigilant against elements that use force or inducement to spread religion,” he said.
Dr Saha said the message of Veer Bal Diwas also serves as a reminder to stand against forced conversions. Referring to historical and contemporary examples, he pointed to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and the declining population of religious minorities in neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“We need greater social awareness against forced conversion and must raise our voices not only within the country but also at international forums against such malpractices,” the Chief Minister asserted.
