Agartala: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), along with members of the Sanatani community, staged a protest and rally at the Raghna Border in North Tripura on January 6.
The protesters demanded an immediate halt to India–Bangladesh bilateral trade. In addition, they called for a boycott of Bangladeshi products. The protest followed allegations of atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
According to the VHP, the demonstration aimed to highlight persecution, targeted violence, and killings of Hindus in the neighbouring country.
Earlier in the day, protesters gathered at Dharmanagar’s BBI Maidan around noon. Thereafter, they took out a bike and vehicle rally. The rally then proceeded to the Raghna Land Customs Station (LCS) in North Tripura district.
Upon reaching the border area, the protesters staged a peaceful demonstration. At the same time, they demanded the suspension of import and export activities through the Raghna LCS.
Subsequently, VHP leaders submitted a memorandum to senior administrative officials. In it, they expressed “grave concern and deep resentment” over what they described as continuous atrocities and targeted killings of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
In the memorandum, the organisation said incidents of violence against Hindus had reached an “unbearable limit.” As a result, it said people in North Tripura were no longer willing to maintain trade or communication with Bangladesh through the border.
Therefore, the VHP demanded the immediate closure of the Raghna Border. It also sought the suspension of all bilateral trade activities. The organisation said national dignity and the safety of the Hindu community must take precedence over economic ties.
Meanwhile, addressing the media, rally coordinator Birendra Das said the protest followed the killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. He also referred to continued reports of violence against Hindus and other minority communities.
Furthermore, Das demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible. He urged authorities to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh.
Finally, the protesters appealed to Indian citizens to boycott Bangladeshi products. They said bilateral trade should remain suspended until violence against Hindus in Bangladesh comes to an end.