The arrest of an International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monk and escalating attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have drawn sharp reactions from Indian leaders, who have called for immediate intervention by the Narendra Modi government and international bodies.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that her government stands with the Centre on this issue, as reported by news agency ANI. Addressing the issue in the legislative assembly, Mamata Banerjee said, “We do not want any religion to be harmed. I have spoken to ISKCON here. Since this concerns another country, the Central government must take relevant action. We stand with them on this issue.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee and senior leader Saugata Roy condemned the attacks, calling for firm action. “What has happened in Bangladesh is deeply unfortunate. The Central government must act decisively,” Abhishek Banerjee said.
Union minister Giriraj Singh condemned the violence, describing the interim government in Bangladesh as being “in the clutches of fundamentalists”.
He urged the United Nations to step in, saying, “The attacks on Hindus and the arrest of religious leaders are inhumane and unacceptable.” He also criticised Opposition leaders for ignoring the issue, accusing them of double standards in addressing communal violence.
