Agartala, December 29:
Protesting against what it described as continued atrocities on religious minorities in Bangladesh, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the ruling BJP, on Tuesday submitted a deputation to the Unakoti District Magistrate demanding an immediate halt to all import and export activities through the Manu land port.
The protest was triggered by the latest incident of violence in Bangladesh in which a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was allegedly killed and his body burned by a violent radical mob.
Terming the incident as part of a series of attacks on minorities, BJYM leaders said continuation of trade with Bangladesh under such circumstances was unacceptable.
Led by BJYM Unakoti district president Arup Dhar, a five-member delegation met District Magistrate Dr Tamal Majumder and submitted a written memorandum seeking suspension of cross-border trade through the Manu Land Customs Station at the India–Bangladesh international border in Kailashahar.
The delegation included BJYM Chandipur mandal president Bablu Deb, youth leaders Ajay Dhar, Imran Ali and Fuzail Ali.
Speaking to reporters after the deputation, Arup Dhar said that “Bangladeshi fundamentalists are killing Hindus, Chakmas, other minorities and even targeting the secular Muslims there, yet import and export with Bangladesh continues. This is not accepted to the people of Kailashahar, so we met with the DM urging him to suspend all business with Bangladesh. The DM has ensured us that he will refer the matter with the higher authority and take strong step.”
He referred to the latest incident of violence in Bangladesh in which a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was allegedly killed and his body burned by a radical mob.
Dhar alleged that hundreds of minorities are facing attacks there and pointed out that ISKCON monk Chinmay Krishna Prabhu remains in jail, adding that these developments have fuelled strong public sentiment in Kailashahar against continuing trade with Bangladesh through the local land port.
Clarifying his stand, Dhar said, “We are not against business with Bangladesh. However, in the present situation, until peace is restored, all trade should be halted. Hindus, minorities—especially tribal people—and even peace-loving Muslims are being targeted there.”
Reportedly, the protesters warned that if the administration fails to suspend trade within the next 48 hours, the BJYM would launch a large-scale agitation across Kailashahar, including road blockades and a gherao of the District Magistrate’s office.
Earlier this month, the Hindu Oikya Manch had organised a protest rally and demonstration in Kailashahar on December 24 condemning the killing of Dipu Chandra Das.
Following the protest, bamboo barricades were erected near the Manu Land Customs Station to block trade indefinitely. However, the barricades were later removed—first allegedly by unidentified persons under the cover of darkness, and subsequently by the administration to restore trade.
With BJYM now joining the agitation, tension has escalated in and around the Manu Land Customs Station.
