The effects of the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, particularly after the ouster of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are now being felt in the neighbouring Indian states, particularly in the northeastern states of Tripura and Assam, as well as in the eastern state of West Bengal. Additionally, the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu priest previously associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and the demand by Islamist radicals in Bangladesh to ban ISKCON by labelling it an “extremist organisation,” have further intensified anger among Hindus. The anger is particularly intense among the Hindu population in Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal.

This discontent, when channelled into protests, and infiltrated by a small section of radical elements, resulted in unfortunate incidents, such as the one witnessed this week in Agartala, where there was a security breach at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission. This incident was condemned by the Tripura government as well as the Government of India. The state government even suspended three police officers for negligence and arrested seven individuals in connection with the breach at the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission.

However, the damage was done, as this security breach should never have occurred. It only serves to strengthen anti-India forces in Bangladesh. Moreover, the incident is now being exploited by Islamist radicals and the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh to stoke anti-India sentiments, thereby diverting attention from the government’s failure to address critical issues such as rising inflation, which has negatively impacted the lives of ordinary Bangladeshis.

Tripura Faced Communal Tension in 2021

The northeastern state of Tripura, surrounded on three sides by Bangladesh, was once a tribal-majority state. However, the partition of India and the subsequent persecution of Hindus in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) forced a significant number of Bengali Hindus to migrate to Tripura, altering the state’s demographics. It now reflects a Bengali-majority population. Many Bengali Hindus in Tripura still have relatives living across the border.

For this reason, attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus often resonate strongly in Tripura. This was evident in 2021, during the attacks on Hindus coinciding with Durga Puja, the most significant festival for Bengali Hindus. At that time, Sheikh Hasina was in power, yet Islamist radicals carried out the violence. The Bangladeshi government later managed to control the situation, though.

The damage, however, was already done, with repercussions felt in Tripura. Various protest processions were organised across the state by Hindus. In one such protest, some miscreants attempted to deface a mosque in Panisagar, North Tripura. Exaggerated posts featuring images of a “burning mosque” circulated on social media, sparking communal tension in North Tripura and the neighbouring Unakoti district. In Unakoti, miscreants even attempted to deface a Kali temple along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

State Government’s Failure To Remain Alert

The communal tension in Tripura in 2021, which was a reaction to attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, should have alerted the state government. Yet, when various Hindutva organisations, including the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, began holding protest rallies across the state, the administration failed to anticipate potential issues.

The problem arises when radicals exploit the frustration of ordinary Hindus to disturb communal harmony. The negligence of the state administration in preventing the attack on the Bangladesh diplomatic mission is evident from the suspension of three police officers by the state government.

Although this time it was a security breach at the Bangladesh diplomatic mission, there is a significant possibility of communal tension in the state if the administration does not remain vigilant, especially given the deteriorating condition of Hindus in Bangladesh. The ongoing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh under the watch of the Nobel laureate Yonus-led interim government are concerning for India and the international community. However, communal incidents in Bangladesh should not be used as a pretext to disrupt communal harmony within Tripura.

It is worth noting that there were two Hindu-Muslim communal tensions in North Tripura — first in Kadamtala and later in Pekucherra — in October. These repeated incidents within the same month have undermined the state government’s claims of maintaining “effective” law and order.

Interestingly, as in 2021, the regions affected by communal tensions remain the same this time — North Tripura and Unakoti districts. This indicates that these districts, which share a border with Bangladesh, are highly sensitive.

Communal Violence And Ethnic Clashes

In August, there was communal violence between Hindus and Muslims in Jirania, West Tripura district. Prior to that, an ethnic clash occurred in June between tribals and Bengalis in Gandacherra, Dhalai district, following the death of a tribal student. This incident forced 165 Bengali families to flee their homes. The ethnic violence muted Durga Puja celebrations this year. Moreover, many displaced families have alleged inadequate support from the state administration, according to state media reports.

Manik Saha Needs to Step Up

These developments paint a bleak picture of the state administration, particularly the Home Ministry, which is managed by Chief Minister Manik Saha. It is notable that Saha also handles several key portfolios, including education, health and family welfare, and public works.

Despite being in office for nearly two years, the Chief Minister remains burdened with crucial ministries. This situation is partly due to internal divisions within the ruling BJP.

However, the state’s law and order cannot be allowed to suffer due to internal political rivalries. The Chief Minister must relinquish some key ministries, such as education and health, to allow dedicated Cabinet ministers to focus on them. This would enable him to concentrate on addressing administrative lapses and taking action against inefficient officials.

The recent security breach at the Bangladesh diplomatic mission in Agartala underscores the urgent need for immediate action to strengthen the state’s law and order machinery.

The author is a political commentator.

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