Kailashahar border area heats up again over suspension of India–Bangladesh trade

Amidst escalating tension in many parts of India-Bangladesh border areas, activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanding intervention of the Indian government against increasing atrocities on minority Hindus in  the neighbouring country, the international border area in Kailashahar has once again turned tense following the suspension of import and export activities between the two countries.

It may be recalled that after the recent inhuman death of Dipu Das in Bangladesh, strong resentment erupted not only across India but also among Sanatani Hindu residents of Kailashahar along with other parts of Tripura.

 As part of this protest, on Wednesday (December 24) the ‘Hindu Aaikya Mancha’ organized a historic protest rally in Kailashahar town, followed by a protest meeting at the R.K.I. School ground near the India–Bangladesh international border.

Before the protest meeting, Sanatani Hindu protesters went up to the border fencing and demonstrated in front of on-duty Bangladeshi Border Guards (BGB). During the protest, they also kicked and struck with shoes a photograph of Mohammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, as a mark of protest.

After concluding the protest meeting, members of the ‘Hindu Aaikya Mancha’ went to the Manu Land Customs Station near the international border and erected a bamboo barricade, declaring an indefinite suspension of import and export activities.

Later, a five-member delegation of the organization, led by Sandip Debroy and Kanti Nath, met the Assistant Commandant of the 199th Battalion of the BSF and formally informed him that the bamboo barricade had been set up to enforce an indefinite halt to cross-border trade.

However, late on the night of December 24, unknown persons broke the bamboo barricade installed at the Manu Land Customs Station. As soon as this information reached the leaders of the ‘Hindu Aaikya Mancha’ early morning of Thursday (December 25), widespread anger erupted among Sanatani Hindu residents across Kailashahar.

Later, under the leadership of two active members of the organization, Arup Dhar and Ajay Deb, a large number of Sanatani Hindus once again gathered at the Manu Land Customs Station near the international border and re-erected the bamboo barricade. They informed the on-duty BSF personnel that the barricade had been put up to enforce an indefinite suspension of import and export activities through the Kailashahar border.

When asked about the second installation of the barricade on December 25, ‘Hindu Aaikya Mancha’ leader Arup Dhar stated that it is unacceptable for Bangladeshi fundamentalists to engage in anti-India activities and abuse India while trade continues with them, which impossible and they will not allow it at any cost. Therefore, he said, the bamboo barricade was erected to ensure an indefinite suspension of import and export.

He further warned that if the administration does not take appropriate action on this matter very soon, a major untoward incident may occur in Kailashahar.