India Responds to Bangladesh's 'Unwarranted' Comments on West Bengal Violence

New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) India has decisively dismissed the remarks made by Bangladesh regarding the recent disturbances in West Bengal, labeling them unwarranted and misleading.

The comments from Dhaka emerged following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, during which Bangladesh called on Indian authorities to safeguard the minority Muslim population in the state.

In a robust response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Bangladesh to concentrate on its own human rights record instead of interfering in India’s internal matters.

While addressing media inquiries concerning the statements from Bangladeshi officials, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked: "We reject the assertions made by the Bangladesh side regarding the events in West Bengal. This is a transparent and disingenuous effort to draw comparisons with India’s concerns over the ongoing victimization of minorities in Bangladesh, where the criminal offenders of such acts continue to be at large."

"Rather than issuing unwarranted statements and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would be better served by ensuring the protection of its minorities' rights," the statement further emphasized.

This response comes at a time of increased political and communal unrest in West Bengal, where protests erupted against the new legislation.

The turmoil has led to isolated incidents of violence, igniting a political exchange of words and attracting international focus.

Bangladesh's plea for the protection of minorities in India has faced backlash from Indian officials, who characterized it as an attempt to divert attention from the prevailing human rights challenges in Bangladesh itself, particularly those concerning religious minorities.

Simultaneously, on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the violence in the state as communal riots.

Speaking at a gathering organized by Imams and Muezzins at the Netaji Indoor Stadium with representatives from various religious backgrounds, she stated: "I came across a news piece citing Home Ministry sources, indicating that the offenders originated from Bangladesh. My only inquiry for the Home Ministry is: why were these individuals allowed to enter Bengal? The border is not our liability."

Three individuals, including a teenager, lost their lives in the violence triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.