Agartala, Dec 19: As Bangladesh burned in anti-India violence that saw attacks on the Indian High Commission, media offices set ablaze, and the brutal killing of a Hindu youth, Tripura witnessed widespread protests on Friday, with citizens demanding strict action while the Indian Army’s top brass inspected border security installations amid growing concerns over the deteriorating situation in the neighboring nation. The unrest follows inflammatory statements by Bangladeshi political leaders threatening to annex India’s northeastern states, prompting multiple demonstrations across Agartala and an urgent security review along the 856-kilometre Indo-Bangladesh border.
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha expressed serious concern over the situation, stating, “An unimaginable situation has been created since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh. The jails have been opened, releasing extremists, thieves, and dacoits. The current situation is an international matter, and reports have been sent from Tripura to the central government. India is prepared to deal with any situation.
“We have all kinds of strong security arrangements from India’s side. Whatever needs to be done, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will do,” Dr. Saha added, emphasizing the government’s readiness to respond to emerging threats.
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Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) Minister Sudhanshu Das condemned the brutal killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka, who was falsely accused of religious desecration and burned alive by Islamist mobs.
“I will not condemn this incident because it is very normal in Bangladesh. Hindus are considered kafirs, and this is why they have to die like this almost every day somewhere,” Das wrote on his Facebook page, questioning when Hindu society would address this grave reality.
Meanwhile, the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) staged a protest outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, with president Suraj Debbarma warning, “The India that established independent Bangladesh from East Pakistan in just 13 days in 1971, today that very India is being threatened. Slogans about creating a new Bangladesh with the Northeast will not be tolerated.
Additionally, a candlelight march organized by Shreshta Bhuban Organisation, founded by Biplab Kanti Bhowmik, was held in the Agartala city, where participants condemned the attacks on Indian diplomatic missions and the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.
Amid escalating tensions, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, visited Border Outposts at Belonia in South Tripura, accompanied by senior officers from the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Border Security Force. According to an official release, Lt Gen Tiwari reviewed ground-level security arrangements and lauded the troops for their vigilance and professionalism in safeguarding the international border.
Meanwhile, the Agartala Press Club strongly condemned the barbaric attacks on journalists and media establishments in Bangladesh.
In a press statement issued by press club secretary Ramakanta Dey, the organization expressed grave concern over attacks on leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star by fundamentalist mobs, demanding immediate compensation and resumption of their publications, along with release of detained journalists and complete security for media personnel and press establishments.