Scores of Khalistani supporters disrupted a peaceful demonstration by the Hindu community outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Saturday. The protest, undertaken by British Hindus along with Bangladeshi Hindus, was to draw global attention towards the rising incidents of violence and alleged persecution of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
Demonstrators had gathered to express solidarity with victims of recent attacks and to urge international bodies to take cognizance of the situation. However, the protest was marred by the arrival of Khalistani activists at the site, who raised separatist flags and shouted anti-India slogans, turning the atmosphere charged.
Speaking about the incident, Manu Khajuria of UK Insight group said the assault on the peaceful human rights/communal harmony movement was very distressing. “It was horrifying to observe an effort by the extremists to disrupt a protest meant towards highlighting the suffering of minorities and promoting communal harmony, said Mr. Manu Khajuria”
The London protest also follows growing concern about reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. One of the most shocking incidents involved the killing of a 29-year-old garment factory worker from Mymensingh, Dipu Chandra Das. Reports claim he was lynched following allegations of blasphemy and his body later hung from a tree and set on fire in public on December 18.
In another disturbing incident, Amrit Mondal was beaten to death in Rajbari on Christmas Eve. While local authorities condemned the killing, they claimed that Mondal had entered the area to collect extortion money and was attacked following a confrontation with residents.
India has strongly reacted to these developments. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed serious concern over what it described as a continuing pattern of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. “Situation is deeply troubling and calls for strict action against those responsible,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said while addressing the media.
“The continuing attacks on minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, are a cause of serious concern,” Jaiswal said. He said India expects Bangladeshi authorities to bring the culprits to book and take all necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. According to official comments, over 2,900 incidents of violence, which includes killings, arson and illegal land seizures against the minority communities, have been reported since the interim government under Muhammad Yunus took office on Aug. 8, following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “These incidents cannot be viewed as sporadic or political exaggeration,” Jaiswal asserted, calling for accountability and concrete action to safeguard vulnerable communities.
