Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan Condemns ISKCON Priest’s Arrest, Calls for Action
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has taken a bold stand against the recent arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. Expressing deep concern over the safety of the Hindu minority in the neighboring country, Kalyan urged collective action from the Bangladesh interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, as well as intervention from the United Nations.
“It is heartbreaking to see the Hindu community being targeted time and again,” Kalyan stated. He pointed to India’s historical role in Bangladesh’s liberation, saying, “India stood with Bangladesh during its creation. Our soldiers sacrificed their lives to free the nation, and now it’s time for Bangladesh to protect its minorities.”
Arrest Sparks Outrage
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a key leader of the Hindu organisation Sammilita Sanatani Jote, happened on November 25 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. This incident has led to widespread protests, especially from minority communities in Bangladesh. However, these peaceful demonstrations have reportedly been met with hostility, raising serious concerns about the state of minority rights in the country.
Pawan Kalyan’s Emotional Plea
Pawan Kalyan’s reaction was swift and firm. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he posted:
“Let’s all unite in condemning the detention of ISKCON Bangladesh priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. We plead with the Bangladesh government under Sri Muhammad Yunus to stop atrocities on Hindus. Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives, our resources were spent, and countless lives were lost for Bangladesh’s freedom. We cannot remain silent as Hindus are being targeted. We call on the UN and @UNinIndia to intervene.”
Kalyan’s statement resonated with many, sparking conversations across social media platforms and amplifying the demand for justice for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
India Speaks Out
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also expressed “deep concern” over the developments. In its official statement, the MEA urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of its minorities.
“We call on Bangladesh authorities to protect the rights of all minorities, including their freedom to peacefully assemble and express themselves,” the statement read. The ministry also condemned reports of vandalism, looting, and the desecration of temples and religious deities, which have become alarmingly frequent.
Bangladesh’s Mixed Response
Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, issued a statement urging calm and caution. His office also directed security forces to step up protection in vulnerable areas like Chattogram to prevent further violence.
However, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry criticized India’s remarks, labelling them interference in its internal affairs. The ministry accused some Indian leaders of making statements that could harm the historically friendly ties between the two nations.
A Pattern of Violence
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Reports highlight rising cases of arson, looting, and attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and places of worship. Protesters calling for Das’s release have also faced violent crackdowns, raising serious questions about the freedom of assembly in Bangladesh.
Pawan Kalyan’s Call for Accountability
Kalyan didn’t just stop at highlighting the issues; he reminded Bangladesh of the moral and historical debt it owes to India. “Bangladesh exists today because India stood by it in 1971,” he said, emphasising that the values of justice and equality were the foundation of its independence.
Calling on global organisations like the United Nations to intervene, Kalyan stressed the importance of holding Bangladesh accountable for safeguarding its minorities. “The world cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of the Hindu community in Bangladesh,” he remarked.
A Test for India-Bangladesh Relations
This issue has put India and Bangladesh in a delicate position. While the two nations share deep historical and cultural ties, incidents like this threaten to strain their relationship. The Indian government’s response reflects a growing urgency to protect the rights of minorities, not just within its borders but also in neighboring countries.
Moving Forward
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the violence against minorities in Bangladesh are wake-up calls for both nations. Leaders like Pawan Kalyan are using their platforms to shine a spotlight on these issues, urging collective action and accountability.
The hope is that through sustained efforts and international pressure, Bangladesh will take steps to protect all its citizens, regardless of their religion. For now, the world watches as voices like Kalyan’s grow louder, refusing to let these injustices go unnoticed.