West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her stance on the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, stating that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will align with the Indian government?s decision on the matter. Addressing the West Bengal Assembly on Thursday, Banerjee emphasized that the state has no jurisdiction to interfere in the affairs of another country.
?It is a separate country, and we cannot comment on it. Trinamool Congress' stand is clear: we will support the decision that the central government takes. Whatever is happening is not good. Even our central government is against a particular community. That is also not good. Temples, churches, gurudwaras, and mosques should coexist in harmony,? said Banerjee.
Tension Rises Over ISKCON Monk?s Arrest
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh has sparked outrage among Hindu groups and ISKCON devotees in West Bengal. Protest rallies have been organized across the state, with ISKCON holding special protest kirtans condemning the monk?s detention.
ISKCON Vice President Radharaman Das expressed grave concerns over the safety of the monk. ?We are worried someone might kill him. ISKCON is a non-political organization committed to serving people and chanting the name of Hari. We appeal for the safety of all devotees, including those in Bangladesh,? he said.
Das welcomed the Bangladesh High Court?s refusal to take suo motu cognizance against ISKCON but urged action against individuals inciting violence against minorities. ?We were alarmed when there were claims that ISKCON may not exist in Bangladesh. With five temples in Dhaka alone and several shaktipeeths across the country, such statements create insecurity among Hindu minorities,? Das added.
Protests Escalate in Bengal
Hindu organizations like the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch held protest rallies in Kolkata, demanding the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and protection for Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. A clash with the police occurred as protestors attempted to approach the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. Eventually, five ISKCON monks were allowed to submit a memorandum.
The monks reiterated that protests would continue until the detained monk is freed and the safety of minorities in Bangladesh is assured. ?We will not stop until justice is served,? said one of the representatives.
Cordial Ties with Bangladesh
Despite the tensions, Mamata Banerjee noted that West Bengal and Bangladesh have maintained cordial relations. Her remarks underline the delicate balance between voicing concern for human rights and respecting the sovereignty of a neighboring nation.
As protests continue, the TMC?s decision to follow the Centre?s lead reflects the political and diplomatic complexities surrounding the issue.
