Violence erupts in Kolkata as Hindu Jagran Manch protest clashes with police; Officer injured
The escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari near Dhaka have sparked strong reactions across India. On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her solidarity with the Central government, urging decisive action. Addressing the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, she emphasized, “We do not want any religion to be harmed. This is an international issue, and the Centre must act promptly. We stand with them.”
The attacks in Bangladesh have raised alarm among Indian leaders. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee and senior leader Saugata Roy condemned the violence on Wednesday. “The situation is deeply unfortunate, and immediate intervention is required,” said Abhishek Banerjee.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused Bangladesh’s interim government of succumbing to fundamentalist forces. “These attacks are inhumane and unacceptable. The United Nations must step in to protect minorities in Bangladesh,” Singh stated, calling on international organizations to take note of the crisis.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed “deep concern” over the denial of bail to the ISKCON monk and the ongoing violence against Hindus. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra reaffirmed the party’s support for government measures, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minority communities.
The arrest of the ISKCON monk and the violence against Hindus come ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections, adding to the complexity of the situation. The incidents have also reignited debates about India’s diplomatic influence in the region. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticized the Modi government, alleging that India’s diplomatic strength in its neighborhood is diminishing.
With tensions running high, leaders across the political spectrum are calling for swift action. Meanwhile, ISKCON representatives in India have urged the government to work diplomatically with Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and justice for the arrested monk.