New Delhi: In a strong diplomatic counter, India on Friday rejected Bangladesh’s criticism of the recent violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the comments “unwarranted” and accused Dhaka of virtue signaling while ignoring human rights issues within its own borders.
MEA Spokesperson: ‘Disguised Attempt to Shift Focus’
“We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal. This is a barely disguised and disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with India’s concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, where perpetrators continue to roam free,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities,” Jaiswal added.
Earlier, Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday expressed condemnation over the attacks on Muslims in a statement. He urged the Indian government and West Bengal authorities to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of the minority Muslim population, reports claimed.
Bangladesh ‘link’ to Murshidabad violence
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was apprised of an initial investigation into Murshidabad violence, which indicated the involvement of alleged Bangladeshi miscreants, the ANI had reported. The preliminary findings also suggested that the miscreants may have initially received assistance from local leaders but eventually became uncontrollable, the report claims. This comes at a time when MHA is closely monitoring activities in Murshidabad and other sensitive districts in Bengal.
Union home secretary Govind Mohan spoke with the state’s chief secretary and director general of police (DGP), reported the Hindustan Times. Mohan has assured the state administration of all possible help. He also advised them to keep a close watch on other sensitive districts.
Bengal Governor heads to violence-hit Murshidabad, HC forms panel for rehab of affected families
Meanwhile, Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has announced an official visit to violence-hit Murshidabad, aiming to “impose peace at any cost.” The Governor is set to begin a two-day ground-level assessment on Friday (April 18), despite strong reservations from the state leadership. Even Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed reservations regarding Governor’s desire to visit the violence-hit district. “I want to go to Murshidabad,” Bose told the NDTV. “What transpired there is shocking. Such instances should never have happened. I want a reality check on the field. Peace must be restored – and it will be, at any cost,” he added.
Calcutta High Court forms 3-member panel for rehabilitation of displaced people in violence-affected areas of Murshidabad.
Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has also left for Malda on Friday to visit the violence-affected areas. She will visit the violence-hit regions of Murshidabad and interact with local victims and their families. She will also meet with the DM, SP, and other senior officers of Murshidabad and Malda. A team of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also reached Malda. The team will visit the violence-affected areas of Murshidabad and Malda.
What happened in Murshidabad?
The violence broke out last week in Murshidabad district during a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protests swept across Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts. This led to arson, stone-pelting and road blockades.
