Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that forced religious conversion is a serious crime and there should be a strong social movement against it. He made this statement on December 25 while speaking to reporters at a Gurdwara in Chandmari, on the outskirts of Agartala, during the observance of Veer Bal Diwas. The chief minister said that religion is a matter of personal faith and choice. According to him, no one should be forced, pressured, or tempted to change their religion. He added that society needs to stay alert against such practices and people must raise their voices whenever such incidents take place. Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year to remember the martyrdom of the two younger sons of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh — Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh. They were only nine and six years old when they were killed more than three centuries ago for refusing to give up their faith. In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that December 26 would be marked across the country as Veer Bal Diwas to honour their bravery and sacrifice.
Speaking about the Sahibzade, Chief Minister Saha said their story continues to inspire people even today. He said the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh stood firm in their faith despite facing extreme pressure and threat to their lives. He described their killing during the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as an example of extreme cruelty and injustice. According to him, the courage shown by the Sahibzade teaches people to stand up against oppression and wrongdoing. Saha also said that the observance of Veer Bal Diwas reminds people of the need to protect religious freedom. He stressed that every person has the right to follow the religion of their choice. Any attempt to force someone to convert, he said, is not only wrong but also a crime. He also mentioned the past suffering of Kashmiri Pandits while speaking about religious persecution. The chief minister went on to express concern about the decline of the Hindu population in Pakistan over the decades. He said that after Independence, the situation in what was then East Pakistan and West Pakistan was different, but over time the Hindu population there has seen a sharp fall. He said this was a matter of worry and should not be ignored.
Calling for joint efforts, Saha said people should not remain silent when forced religious conversions take place. He said voices must be raised not only inside India but also at global platforms. According to him, the issue of religious freedom and protection of faith is important for all communities and must be discussed openly across the world. Saha also underlined that Veer Bal Diwas is not just a day of remembrance but also a day to learn from history. He said the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzade give people strength and remind them that standing for truth and faith may be difficult but is always important. He added that younger generations should be made aware of these historical events so that they understand the value of courage, tolerance, and freedom of faith. People present at the Gurdwara also took part in the observance and paid tribute to the two young martyrs. The day was marked with prayers, remembrance, and messages on unity and peace. Many people said the story of the Sahibzade shows how even children can show great strength when it comes to protecting their beliefs. Throughout his address, Chief Minister Saha repeatedly stressed that religion should never become a tool for pressure or fear. He said India is a country where many religions and communities live together, and this diversity must always be respected. He added that peaceful coexistence is the foundation of society and forced religious conversion goes against that spirit. He also said that governments, social organisations, and common citizens must work together to prevent such practices. According to him, legal measures alone are not enough. There should also be awareness in society so that people know their rights and feel confident to speak up.
