Randhir Jaiswal said the tension was a result of “provocative posts” on social media. (file)
New Delhi:
Amid reports of tension in Bangladesh’s Chittagong after inflammatory social media posts, India on Thursday urged Dhaka to take action against “extremist” elements and ensure the safety of the country’s Hindu community.
At a weekly media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the alleged attack on members of the Hindu community in Chittagong.
The tension was a result of “inflammatory posts” on social media, he said.
“We have seen many videos doing the rounds on social media. It is scandalous,” Jaiswal said.
The MEA spokesperson emphasized that it is Dhaka’s “special responsibility” to provide security to minorities.
“In Chittagong, incendiary posts were made on social media. Those inflammatory things were related to the Hindu community. There was a disturbance and some members of the Hindu community were threatened and a lot of property was looted,” he said.
There are “extremist elements” behind it and such things could increase communal tension, Jaiswal told reporters.
He said, “We request the government there to take strict action to control and take action against these elements and ensure the safety of the people of Hindu and other minority communities.” India has noted with “grave concern” reports of an attack and theft at a pooja mandap in Bangladesh on October 12 and urged Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship.
Responding to a question on a statement posted on Awami League’s verified social media handles, Sheikh Hasina congratulated President-elect Donald Trump by pasting the words ‘Prime Minister’ in brackets before his name, Jaiswal said, “What I have said before, you consider our position.” “We have already said from this place that she is the former prime minister of Bangladesh, so it stands there,” the MEA spokesperson said.
After an unprecedented anti-government protest, Hasina fled Bangladesh and fled to India on August 5.
He shared the details and context of the incident to a question asked at a workshop organized by the Delhi-based think-tank Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
“As an important neighboring country of India, developments in Myanmar are of interest to us and other stakeholders including the academic community, think tanks and our business community,” Jaiswal said.
On November 5-6, a special workshop on the Indian experience on constitutionalism and federalism was held, where “they invited stakeholders from various sectors of Myanmar society”, he said.
“It is our understanding that we hope such interactions will contribute to discussions on developing Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned solutions to address the country’s current challenges,” the MEA spokesperson said.
“India remains on its side, a staunch supporter of democracy, peace and stability in Myanmar,” he added.
Jaiswal was also asked about the way forward after the recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese forces at two friction points in eastern Ladakh.
“The disengagement has progressed, patrols have started both in Depsang and Demchok. Patrols have started in places as per the agreement. There have been reports of some disruptions. But those reports are not correct. I think the (Indian) Army has also clarified this. Yes, that report is not correct,’ he said.
Regarding India-US economic relations and the existing problems, Jaiswal said, ‘There are talks between the two countries and no matter how many problems there are in the economic relations, both countries should think deeply and seek agreement and it will work. .” “We want to negotiate on issues, so our relationship becomes stronger,” Jaiswal added.
(Other than the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)