The country’s CM Himanta Biswa Sharma has expressed concern over the recent incidents of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. He said the situation in neighboring Bangladesh is a matter of concern and expressed concern that Assam could feel its impact in the coming days. He also claimed that, “jihadist elements” have been present in the state for a long time and suspected that some may still be operating as sleeper cells.
“Whatever happens in Bangladesh is a matter of concern for us. The atrocities against Hindus are increasing day by day. The situation is worrying and it could have an impact on Assam,” Sharma told reporters. “Violence targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh has intensified in recent weeks, reflecting attacks on minorities and covert violence as a major crisis amidst the country’s changing political landscape,” he said. He stressed the need for increased vigilance and close monitoring of the situation.
“Therefore, we must remain vigilant and monitor the situation. We must also encourage the Hindu community in Bangladesh. This is what the Chief Minister said. According to the 2022 census, Bangladesh’s Hindu population is estimated at 13.13 million, accounting for 7.95 per cent of the total population.
On fundamentalist activities inside Assam, Sharma said security agencies have repeatedly found evidence of the presence of militants in the past decade. “There are jihadists in Assam, and we have witnessed it again and again in the last 10 years. Some elements are still hiding somewhere, maybe they are part of sleeper cells. All this is a matter of concern,” he said.
In December last year, police arrested 11 people in Assam and Tripura on charges of having links with Bangladeshi fundamentalist groups, who were reportedly planning to destabilize the North East.
