West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the Indian government to request the United Nations to deploy a peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh to address the growing violence against minorities. She has also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure the safe return of persecuted Indians currently residing in Bangladesh.
Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly, Banerjee highlighted recent incidents involving atrocities against Hindus and other minorities, along with the arrest of Hindu priests in Bangladesh. She emphasized that while commenting on bilateral relations is beyond a state’s jurisdiction, the gravity of the situation necessitated her statement. Banerjee urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to address the issue in Parliament and engage with Bangladesh authorities to restore normalcy. She suggested that, if needed, an international peacekeeping force should be considered.
The Chief Minister also reiterated her commitment to supporting those affected, stating that West Bengal would welcome displaced Indians if they needed refuge. She expressed a wish for harmonious relations among all communities in Bangladesh and called for immediate action on unresolved issues, such as the release of 79 Indian fishermen detained for entering Bangladeshi waters.
Banerjee criticized the central government for its inaction over the past 10 days despite escalating tensions in Bangladesh. She also rebuked calls from opposition leaders for halting cross-border trade, clarifying that such decisions fall under central jurisdiction.
Her remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with opposition leaders questioning her motives and her past responses to similar crises. Nevertheless, Banerjee’s demand for a UN peacekeeping mission has added a significant dimension to the discourse on India’s response to the evolving situation in Bangladesh.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
