PATNA: The Minority Affairs Minister in Bihar government, Jama Khan, said on Friday that he will not change his religion even if someone holds him on gunpoint.
Khan's statement came at a time when debates over religions conversions have become a hot topic in the country.
The minister also revealed that his ancestors were Rajputs by caste.
"My ancestors -- Jayram Singh and Bhagwan Singh -- were warriors and had set up their homes in the Kaimur region. Bhagwan Singh later converted his religion and became a follower of Islam. I am his successor, " Khan said.
"The successors of Jayram Singh and Bhagwan Singh are still residing in Kaimur district, " he said.
He further said that he will not change his religion even if someone puts a gun on his head.
"If anyone is converting his religion out of his own will, no one can stop him. But if someone tries to convert a person forcefully, it cannot be tolerated. The state government cannot allow it. If we get any information about forcible conversion, we will take swift action in the matter, " he said.