Why does Tripura's CM think forced religious conversions are wrong?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Forced conversions are fundamentally wrong.
- Veer Bal Diwas fosters courage and sacrifice.
- Importance of moral values in youth.
- Need for social resistance against coercion.
- Historical context of minority persecution.
Agartala, Dec 26 (NationPress) Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha stated on Friday that forced religious conversions or those executed through enticements are fundamentally incorrect, emphasizing that genuine faith and self-sacrifice should stem from conviction, not coercion.
During a Veer Bal Diwas event held at a Gurdwara, the Chief Minister remarked that commemorating this day fosters values of courage, sacrifice, and morality in the youth.
“The essence of Veer Bal Diwas is to express that religion belongs to all. It is unacceptable to forcibly convert individuals or lure them with various incentives. Sadly, such events are prevalent in several regions,” Saha stated.
By referencing both historical and modern occurrences, the Chief Minister noted that minority groups, including Hindus and Sikhs, have endured persecution in multiple areas.
“Kashmiri Pandits suffered unimaginable atrocities. The circumstances were similar before and after the Partition, affecting the populations of Hindus, Sikhs, and other minority groups significantly in areas like West Pakistan and Bangladesh,” he explained.
Saha highlighted that this topic is under extensive discussion through various articles and reports, advocating for the necessity to cultivate social resistance against such actions.
“On Veer Bal Diwas, it is imperative that we reflect on how to amplify our voices against forced conversions at both national and global levels,” he urged.
The Chief Minister reminisced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the inaugural observance of Veer Bal Diwas in January 2022, and since then, it has been annually commemorated across the nation on December 26.
He stressed that the core objective of this day is to motivate the upcoming generation to embrace the principles of bravery, sacrifice, and moral integrity.
“Veer Bal Diwas is not merely about historical remembrance; it serves to ignite faith in self-sacrifice, religion, and the nation. It instructs the youth on how to cultivate confidence and appreciate the significance of sacrifice,” Saha added.
The Chief Minister also underscored the critical need for quality education for children, asserting that with proper guidance, young individuals can develop characteristics often absent in adults.
The event was graced by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, alongside prominent figures from the Sikh community.