New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has urged the central government to “mobilise global support” against “atrocities being committed on Hindus and all other minorities in Bangladesh”.
Demanding the release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das from “unjust imprisonment”, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has said that atrocities against Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh should stop immediately. He called on the Centre to “continue its efforts to stop atrocities being committed on Hindus and all other minorities in Bangladesh and to take necessary steps immediately to mobilise global support regarding this”.
In a statement issued Saturday, the RSS general secretary said that “attacks, murders, looting, arson and inhuman atrocities by Islamic fundamentalists on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh are extremely worrying and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh condemns this”.
The RSS termed the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh and other agencies “silent spectators” who have not been able to put an end to violence against the Hindu minority.
“Out of helplessness, a new phase of injustice and atrocities against the Hindus of Bangladesh is emerging to suppress the voice raised by them through democratic means for self-defence. It is unjust for the Bangladesh government to imprison ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das who was leading Hindus in such peaceful demonstrations,” read the statement.
Through the statement, the RSS also made an appeal to the government of Bangladesh to “ensure that the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh stop immediately” and that the monk be released from prison.
The Indian government had also noted with “deep concern” the arrest and denial of bail to Das. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups.
The Sangh also said it is imperative that, at this “crucial time, India and the global community and institutions should stand with the victims of Bangladesh and express their support and demand every possible effort from their respective governments for this, which is essential for world peace and brotherhood”.
In his Vijayadashami speech in October, RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, too, spoke about the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus, who he said faced unprovoked attacks following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government after a student uprising. He had praised the minority community in Bangladesh for their “first-ever” organised resistance against radical forces.
In August, thousands of Hindus had marched in Dhaka and Chattogram, demanding action against attacks on members of their community.
Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), an RSS affiliate, launched a two-day nationwide protest Friday against “atrocities” on religious minorities in Bangladesh.
It is truly great that the RSS is calling out the atrocities on Hindus (at atleast as tokenism the atrocities on other minorities) in Bangaldesh. It is the right thing to do. No one should be persecuted because of their faith. Spreading paranioa about people of faith other than oneself is a despicable act.
When will the RSS extend the same courtesy to the minorities in India? For example, they rightly condemned the act when a Hindu tailor in Udaipur was beheaded. Mr. Bhagwat also mentioned the atrocity in his speech. But they have been silent on the increasing atrocities by the majority community on India’s minority. Even justifications for such acts are provided. The RSS and the Sangh need to understand the damage they are doing to their own country by being selective more often than not.