India slams B’deshi media reports on protest outside Dhaka’s mission in Delhi
Kolkata, Dec 21: As the situation in neighbouring Bangladesh worsens, security has been tightened in Kolkata with instructions for quick action in case of any apprehension of unrest.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma has instructed that the flames of violence in Bangladesh must not reach Kolkata in any way, said police sources on Sunday.
The Commissioner held the Kolkata Police’s monthly crime meeting on Saturday, where the issue of unrest in Bangladesh was also discussed.
According to sources, the Police Commissioner clearly said that if there is any apprehension of unrest in Kolkata stemming from the current disturbances in Bangladesh, immediate action must be taken. Besides maintaining special surveillance in sensitive areas under the Kolkata Police jurisdiction, strict vigilance has been ordered in the city and, especially, in the suburban police station areas.
The instructions were given after going through intelligence reports.
“The commissioner has clearly said that police stations will have to remain vigilant and increase surveillance. Reports of any disturbance must be acted upon immediately. The sensitive areas must be monitored as part of special measures,” said the police source.
The directive from the city police chief came after violence erupted in Bangladesh, following the death of a youth leader there.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Dhaka on Friday after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, was announced. Several buildings in the national capital, including those housing the country’s two leading newspapers, were set on fire, according to authorities, with staff trapped inside. Earlier, a Hindu man was lynched, and his lifeless body was tied to a tree and set on fire.
The security caution comes as Kolkata is witnessing an atmosphere as Christmas is approaching, followed by the New Year. The Commissioner has alerted the police stations regarding maintaining law and order and ensuring security during this time. Night parties are held on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and the streets remain crowded with people throughout the night. The police have been instructed to keep a close watch to prevent any incidents of molestation or indecent behaviour towards women.
Meanwhile, India on Sunday trashed as “misleading propaganda” media reports in Bangladesh that a demonstration outside Bangladesh’s mission in New Delhi against the killing of a Hindu man in that country attempted to create a security situation.
“We have noted misleading propaganda in sections of the Bangladesh media on the incident,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“The fact is that about 20-25 youths gathered in front of the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi on December 20 and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh,” he said.
Jaiswal said there was “no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation” at any time. (Agencies)
