Tripura: Protests Over Minority Oppression in Bangladesh Halts Trade at Kailashahar Border

AGARTALA: Trade with Bangladesh through the Kailashahar border in the Unakoti district of Tripura has been suspended as Sanatani Hindus staged a large-scale protest against atrocities on minorities in the neighboring country.

The protest began on Wednesday at the Manu Land Customs Station (LCS) to oppose the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Das and the oppression of the minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh. 

The protest was led by some prominent leaders like Kailashahar Municipal Council’s Vice Chairman Nitish Dey, BJP Kailashahar Mandal president Siddharta Dey, senior advocate Sandeep Debroy, and Hindu Jagran Manch Tripura president Uttam Dey. The demonstration saw significant participation from the community. Social activists Bihan Das, Dulal Das, and Milan Das were also highly involved.

The agitators raised slogans against the interim government in Bangladesh led by Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus, accusing it of failing to give protection to the minority communities. The protest escalated to a march through the streets of Kailashahar, demanding justice and the release of Chinmoy Das. 

Nitish Dey, while speaking to the reporters, mentioned the arrest as an injustice and vowed to continue the protest until their demands were met, stating, “We demand the unconditional release of Chinmoy Das immediately. Trade with Bangladesh will not resume until the attacks on Hindus are stopped.” 

Protesters called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt trade with Bangladesh until the safety of minority communities is ensured. Heavy security, including police, TSR, and BSF, were deployed under the supervision of Kailashahar SDPO Jayanta Karmakar to maintain order. The indefinite suspension of trade at the Kailashahar border is expected to impact the local economy and bilateral ties.

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