Massive protest rally in Namsai condemns atrocities against Buddhists in Bangladesh

The Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha, joined by over 20,000 Buddhist devotees, organized a peaceful protest rally from Poi Pee Mau ground to the District Secretariat office in Namsai. The demonstration aimed to condemn the ongoing atrocities against the Buddhist community in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), particularly in Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban, where recent violence has resulted in the destruction of over 1,000 homes and businesses, including the vandalism of Buddhist temples.

The rally saw participants chanting slogans decrying the brutal attacks on the Chakma and other minority communities by hardliner groups. Ven. Dhammakitti Mahathero, president of the Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence following the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh. “It is unfortunate that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government, peace-loving Buddhist communities have been brutally targeted, with many murdered and injured, while their properties have been set ablaze,” he said.

General Secretary Bhikkhu Ratnadeepa emphasized the peaceful nature of the Buddhist community, stating, “We never harm any living organisms; yet, our people are being attacked without provocation by Bangladeshi hardliners.”

During the protest, a memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Md. Mustafizur Rehman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, via the District Commissioner of Namsai.