India Condemns Bangladesh for 'Unfounded' Remarks on Bengal Disturbances
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Synopsis
India has firmly rejected Bangladesh's unwarranted comments on the violence in West Bengal, urging Dhaka to focus on its own human rights issues. The Ministry of External Affairs criticized the remarks as deceptive and called for Bangladesh to protect its minorities instead.
Key Takeaways
- India rebuffs Bangladesh's comments on West Bengal unrest.
- MEA criticizes Bangladesh for not addressing its own human rights violations.
- West Bengal Chief Minister labels the violence as communal riots.
- Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act led to fatalities.
- International attention on the situation highlights human rights concerns.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) India categorically dismissed Bangladesh's comments concerning the recent turmoil in West Bengal, labeling them as unfounded and deceptive.
The statements from Dhaka emerged following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, during which Bangladesh urged Indian officials to safeguard the minority Muslim community in the region.
In a pointed response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Bangladesh to concentrate on its own human rights issues rather than intervening in India's domestic matters.
While addressing media inquiries regarding the remarks made by Bangladeshi representatives, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal articulated, "We reject the statements issued by the Bangladesh side regarding the events in West Bengal. This is a thinly veiled and insincere attempt to equate with India's concerns about the ongoing oppression of minorities in Bangladesh, where the criminals responsible for such acts remain at large."
"Instead of engaging in unwarranted remarks and virtue signaling, Bangladesh should prioritize the protection of its own minorities," the statement continued.
This declaration comes amid increasing political and communal strife in West Bengal, where protests erupted against the new legislation.
The unrest resulted in isolated acts of violence, instigating a political exchange of accusations and drawing international scrutiny.
Bangladesh's appeal for the safeguarding of minorities in India was met with disapproval from Indian authorities, who characterized the initiative as an attempt to shift focus from ongoing human rights challenges in Bangladesh, particularly concerning religious minorities.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the violence in the state as “communal riots”.
During a gathering organized by Imams and Muezzins at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, alongside representatives of all faiths, she remarked: "I came across a news article citing Home Ministry sources, indicating that the offenders originated from Bangladesh. My sole question for the Home Ministry is: Why were these individuals permitted to enter Bengal? The border is not our responsibility."
Three individuals, including a teenager, lost their lives amidst the violence ignited by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
