In a strong diplomatic riposte, India has taken issue with Bangladesh for making inappropriate remarks on the latest communal riots in Murshidabad district, West Bengal. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) put out a stern statement, calling Dhaka’s remarks as **unsuitable and intrusive**, while asking Bangladesh to **focus on its own human rights issues**, especially for its minority population.
India Rejects Foreign Interference
The MEA stressed that India, being a democratic country with strong institutions, can handle such internal issues on its own. “We reject the Bangladesh side’s observations on what is transpiring in West Bengal,” the statement added, also accusing Bangladesh of attempting to **establish a false equivalence** with its **continuing persecution of minorities**.
Bangladesh’s Response and India’s Retort
The controversy escalated when a Bangladeshi official ruled out any connection between Dhaka and the violence in Murshidabad. Criticizing the treatment of Muslims in India, the official urged New Delhi to provide them with security.
India’s MEA retorted sharply, terming such comments a diversionary tactic and virtue signaling by Bangladesh. “Instead of making unwarranted comments, Bangladesh needs to take care of its own minority communities,” the MEA further said.
The Murshidabad Violence: What Happened?
The Murshidabad violence broke out on April 11, allegedly in protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The agitation sadly resulted in the killing of three individuals, various injuries, and large-scale damage to property. A number of families were displaced and had to seek refuge in neighboring districts and temporary camps.
Calcutta High Court Intervenes
Acting on the worsening situation, the Calcutta High Court directed the deployment of central security forces to ensure law and order in the affected areas. The court also advised political parties against making flammable utterances and emphasized the urgency of immediate rehabilitation for the affected.
India’s Strong Stand on Sovereignty
India’s strong reaction is a demonstration of its firm position against foreign interference in internal matters. The MEA reaffirmed the nation’s determination to safeguard all its citizens, irrespective of their origin, while maintaining its democratic and constitutional principles.
FAQs:
Q1. Why did India criticize Bangladesh over West Bengal violence?
India criticized Bangladesh for making unwarranted comments on an internal matter and asked it to concentrate on its own human rights problems instead.
Q2. What was the cause of violence in Murshidabad?
The violence erupted against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, with several casualties and property damage.
Q3. How has order been restored in Murshidabad?
The Calcutta High Court directed the movement of central forces and ordered rehabilitation efforts to be taken for affected families.
