NEW DELHI / AGARTALA –
NEW DELHI: Santana Chakma, Tripura’s Minister of Industries, Commerce, and Welfare of OBCs, has urged the central government to intervene in the ongoing violence against indigenous communities in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
The unrest, particularly in Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Dighinala, has sparked protests in Tripura. On Saturday, the Raima Valley Bhikkhu Sangh and other Buddhist groups held a large rally in Agartala. Protestors condemned violent attacks on indigenous, primarily Buddhist, communities across the border.
Starting at Venuban Bihar in the Buddha Mandir area, monks and supporters marched through the city, demanding immediate government action. The Minister in the letter writes about the death of 40 innocent people and burning down of over 100 houses and shops.
Senior monk Ven. Khemchera voiced outrage over the looting and vandalism of a Buddha statue at Vanrupa Maitri Vihar, calling it a desecration of Buddhist heritage. The protestors called for swift measures to protect minorities in Bangladesh.
Several tribal organizations have expressed solidarity with the affected communities. The Youth Tipra Federation (YTF), the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party, announced a peaceful protest outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala.
YTF President Suraj Debbarma condemned the attacks, particularly in Khagrachari, where Tripuri and Chakma communities were targeted. He emphasised that the protests are not against any specific community but aim to urge Bangladesh to protect its minorities.
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The Tripura Chakma Students’ Association (TCSA) also announced a rally in Agartala, calling the violence “shameful and barbaric.”
They reported over 67 deaths and expressed concerns over human rights violations, including the persecution of women and minorities. The TCSA called for justice and the inclusion of CHT within India.
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Some media reports even indicate that nearly 1,000 Buddhist Chakma and Hindu Tripura tribals have been displaced following attacks by Islamist settlers, allegedly with the support of the Bangladeshi Army.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Tripura and the broader international community will be watching closely, hoping for a swift and effective response to end the violence and restore peace and security to the affected regions.