SHILLONG/TURA, Oct 22: With the recent attacks on the Hindu minority and vandalisation of temples in Bangladesh evoking ire and resentment among the masses in India, condemnations continued to pour in on Friday from parts of East Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills.
In the state capital, the Sri Sri Thakur Suryananda-o-Yogamaya Kalimata Seva Sangha, while lamenting the reports of violence against the Hindu minority in the neighbouring country, appealed to the Bangladesh Government to act against the perpetrators.
“Since its creation, the Founding Father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has upheld the tenets of secularism and religious tolerance. This legacy has been carried forward by his daughter and the current (Bangladesh) Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the recent incidents of mindless violence on the followers of Sanatan Dharma have left us deeply anguished,” the Sangh said, adding that “the violence, especially on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, is even more painful.”
It added that the recent reports of violence have brought back heart-rending memories of Partition.
Meanwhile, in Tura, members of various Puja committees and developmental committees displayed banners, denunciate the reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.
On Thursday, locals also lit candles voicing solidarity with the victims in the neigbouring country.
The acts of violence were also condemned in Baghmara of South Garo Hills, with many organising a candlelight procession. They have also sought the joint intervention from Government of India and Government of Bangladesh to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“People have every right to celebrate their religious festivals in any part of the world. Strong action should be taken against the perpetrators of the crime,” they said.