A group of 68 eminent personalities, including a retired High Court Judge, senior bureaucrats, and a sitting MP, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in addressing escalating atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. The appeal highlights systematic attacks on Hindu religious sites, properties, and individuals, alongside the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on alleged fabricated sedition charges. The signatories demand urgent action, including the protection of Hindus, release of detained leaders, justice for victims of violence, international sanctions on Bangladesh, and raising the issue at global forums. They urge India’s leadership to uphold its commitment to justice and religious freedom.
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INDIA: In a strongly worded appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 68 distinguished individuals, including a retired High Court Judge and former IAS, IPS, IRS, IIS, and IFS officers, alongside a sitting Member of Parliament, have highlighted the alarming situation of escalating atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
This collective plea calls for immediate action to address the persecution, particularly in the wake of the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on what are being described as “fabricated sedition charges.”
The letter underscores the gravity of the issue, stating that “systematic attacks” on Hindus, their religious sites, properties, and dignity have reached “unprecedented levels.”
Arrest of ISKCON Leader Sparks Global Concern
The situation intensified with the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on Monday. By Wednesday, a lawyer petitioned the Bangladesh High Court to ban ISKCON, citing alleged involvement in a violent clash that led to the death of an assistant public prosecutor.
The Attorney General of Bangladesh reportedly described ISKCON as a “religious fundamentalist organisation,” further revealing that the government is “scrutinising” its activities.
Notable Signatories Highlight Violations of Rights
The appeal was signed by prominent figures such as Justice Raghvendra Singh Rathore, a retired Judge of the Rajasthan High Court, and Shesh Paul Vaid, former Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir. These eminent voices described the attacks as actions that
“not only violate the fundamental rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh but also undermine the principles of peace, coexistence, and religious freedom that India and Bangladesh have historically upheld.”
The letter detailed the worsening situation, pointing to the desecration of temples, defiling of sacred idols, and destruction of Hindu homes, businesses, and properties. Reports also highlighted violence against Hindu women, including abductions, forced conversions, sexual violence, and human trafficking, compounded by the failure of local authorities to take effective measures.
Fabricated Charges Against Chinmoy Krishna Das
The appeal draws particular attention to the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. It states:
“The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, an ISKCON priest, on fabricated sedition charges is particularly troubling. He was detained simply for organizing a peaceful protest against the ongoing atrocities and advocating for the rights of the Hindu community. His peaceful activism should have been protected as a fundamental right, yet he has been criminalized for standing up against injustice. This arrest is a direct attack on free speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to peacefully protest.”
Demands Made in the Appeal
To address these dire circumstances, the signatories have called upon the Indian government to take the following actions:
- Immediate Protection for Hindus in Bangladesh
The letter demands that the Bangladeshi government take urgent steps to safeguard Hindu religious sites, homes, and businesses. Perpetrators of violence must be held accountable to ensure the safety and security of the Hindu community. - Release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and Other Religious Leaders
The signatories urge the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and other unjustly detained religious leaders. They demand that charges be dropped and the fundamental right to peaceful protest be upheld. - Justice for Hindu Women
The appeal calls for investigations into the rising cases of violence against Hindu women, including abductions, forced conversions, and sexual violence. Legal protections must be enforced to safeguard their rights. - Protection of Employment and Property Rights
The letter highlights the unlawful dismissal of Hindu government employees and seizure of properties, demanding an end to these practices and the restoration of dignity for Hindus in Bangladesh. - International Sanctions on Bangladesh
The appeal suggests targeted international sanctions against individuals and entities involved in religious persecution and human rights violations. These sanctions aim to pressure the Bangladeshi government to end its complicity in such atrocities. - Diplomatic Action at the United Nations and Other Forums
The signatories urge India to raise this issue at international platforms like the United Nations and Human Rights Council. Diplomatic efforts must be intensified to hold Bangladesh accountable for religious persecution and ensure justice for its Hindu minority.
The letter poignantly notes:
“The situation in Bangladesh is dire, and the Hindu community is suffering under conditions that are reminiscent of severe human rights violations. The Government of India has a moral and diplomatic responsibility to raise this issue at the highest levels and to take strong, decisive action to protect the rights and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.”
Hope for India’s Leadership
The signatories expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership to address these pressing concerns. The letter concluded:
“We trust that, under your leadership, India will continue to stand as a beacon of hope and justice for religious minorities abroad. We sincerely hope that this matter will be given the urgent attention it deserves, and that steps will be taken to ensure the safety, dignity, and basic rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.”
This appeal is not just a plea but a rallying cry to uphold justice, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that the principles of religious freedom and coexistence are not eroded.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Arrest Of ISKCON Priest
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