In Chandigarh on Sunday, the Punjab BJP Scheduled Caste (SC) Morcha pushed for a new memorial that would honor the fierce disciples of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The group wants a grand monument dedicated to Bhai Dayal Das, Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das, who risked—and lost—their lives defending the religion of Kashmiri Pandits.
Paramjit Singh Kainth, the vice‑president of the BJP SC Morcha, wrote a letter to both the central and state governments. He called for the memorial in recognition of the disciples’ courage and their steadfast support for Guru Tegh Bahadur during the Mughal era. “These brave followers stood firm with the Guru, protecting the faith of Kashmiri Pandits when Emperor Aurangzeb forced them to convert to Islam,” Kainth wrote.
The letter reminded readers that Aurangzeb, who ruled the Mughal empire from 1658 to 1707, was known for his strict Islamic policies. He re‑imposed the jizya tax on non‑Muslims, ordered the demolition of temples and schools, and outlawed forced conversions. Those who refused to convert faced harsh punishments, including death.
According to the SC Morcha’s statement, Bhai Mati Das became the first martyr in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk in November 1675, on Aurangzeb’s direct orders. He was tied between two pillars and beheaded from waist to head. Bhai Dayal Das was pushed into a huge bronze vessel filled with boiling water, while Bhai Sati Das was bound to a pole, wrapped with cotton soaked in oil, and set aflame. All three disciples recited Gurbani calmly, while Guru Tegh Bahadur watched the brutality with divine calm.
The martyrdom of the Guru and his disciples has long been a powerful reminder of resistance against religious intolerance. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice sparked a wave of self‑respect and courage among Hindus, earning him the affectionate title “Hind‑di‑Chadar,” or the spiritual shield of India, according to the BJP leader.
The call for a memorial is part of a broader effort to highlight Sikh heritage and the historic struggles for religious freedom in the region. By honoring the disciples who defended the Kashmiri Pandit community, the Punjab BJP SC Morcha hopes to preserve the memory of those who stood up against oppression and to educate future generations about the importance of liberty of faith.
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