Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha calls for a nationwide social movement against forced religious conversion while commemorating Veer Bal Diwas, highlighting the sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh and stressing religious freedom and human rights.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Friday strongly spoke against the practice of forced religious conversion and asserted that the time has come to initiate a united social movement to combat such actions. He emphasized that concerns related to forced conversion must be highlighted not only at the national level but also on international platforms to protect religious freedom and human rights.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing media persons at the Gurudwara in Chanmari during the observance of Veer Bal Diwas. The day is dedicated to remembering the unparalleled courage and sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the youngest sons of Sikhism’s tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Veer Bal Diwas commemorates the extraordinary bravery of India’s young martyrs who stood firmly by their faith even in the face of extreme cruelty.
Recalling the historical events associated with the Sahibzadas, Dr Saha said that Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh were merely nine and six years old respectively when they were subjected to brutal persecution. He stated that the then Mughal ruler Aurangzeb crossed all limits of inhumanity by ordering the children to be immured alive after they refused to convert their religion.
“The Sahibzadas were tortured in a manner that defies humanity. Their only ‘crime’ was their unwavering faith and refusal to abandon their beliefs under pressure,” Dr Saha said. He added that the atrocity was so severe that even many Muslims serving in the Mughal administration protested against the cruel act. According to historical accounts, the wall behind which the Sahibzadas were imprisoned collapsed soon after the incident, symbolizing the moral collapse of injustice.
Highlighting the relevance of their sacrifice in contemporary times, the Chief Minister said the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas continues to inspire generations, especially children. “We often measure children by their age, but history teaches us that age does not define courage, conviction, or wisdom. Proper education and values unlock the true potential of a child,” he said.
Dr Saha stressed that the observance of Veer Bal Diwas carries a deeper social message in today’s world, particularly regarding religious freedom. He reiterated that religion should remain a personal and private matter, and every individual must have the freedom to practice and perform religious rituals without fear, pressure, or coercion.
“People belonging to all religions should be free to follow their faith. However, society must remain vigilant against those elements who use force, intimidation, or inducement to spread or preach religion,” he said. According to him, forced conversion not only violates constitutional principles but also undermines social harmony and human dignity.
The Chief Minister cited several historical and contemporary examples to underline the seriousness of the issue. He referred to the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland and expressed concern over the rapidly declining population of religious minorities in neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. These developments, he said, highlight the urgent need for social awareness and collective resistance against forced conversion.
“We must raise our voices against such malpractices. This is not just a local or regional issue—it is a global human rights concern. Awareness must be built at the grassroots level, and these issues must also be raised nationally and internationally,” Dr Saha asserted.
During the event, the Chief Minister paid heartfelt tributes to the Sahibzadas, describing their martyrdom as a timeless symbol of courage, unwavering faith, and righteousness. In a message shared on the occasion, Dr Saha said that the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji continues to inspire humanity to stand against injustice and oppression.
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The observance of Veer Bal Diwas at the Gurudwara in Chanmari witnessed participation from members of the Sikh community, religious leaders, and citizens from various backgrounds. The event served as a reminder of India’s rich tradition of religious tolerance, moral courage, and resistance against tyranny.
As the nation remembers the bravery of its youngest martyrs, Dr Saha’s call for a social battle against forced religious conversion adds contemporary relevance to the historical sacrifices of the Sahibzadas. His message underscores the need for unity, awareness, and moral responsibility to safeguard religious freedom and uphold constitutional values in a diverse and democratic society.
