AGARTALA : Expressing grave concern over the condition of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, Tipra Motha Party founder and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Sunday urged the Government of India to take “strong and decisive” measures, including stopping the entry of Bangladeshi nationals and suspending visa services.

Addressing a press conference, Debbarman alleged that Hindu Bengalis in Bangladesh were being “systematically targeted and killed”. He also claimed that some political leaders in Bangladesh were making provocative statements, including calls to shut down the Indian embassy and remarks about occupying parts of the Northeast.

“It is shocking that some people are even demanding that Sheikh Hasina be handed over to Bangladesh,” Debbarman said. “Those who speak loudly about patriotism are silent today, while we, who are branded as a ‘goonda party’, are raising our voice against atrocities in Bangladesh.”

He accused India of adopting a double standard in its engagement with Bangladesh, particularly in the fields of diplomacy and sports. Debbarman said Bangladeshi leaders were openly threatening India while their players continued to receive opportunities on Indian platforms. “This double standard will not continue,” he asserted.

Calling for a firm national response, Debbarman said India must act decisively to protect Hindu minorities in Bangladesh as well as in the Northeast. He alleged that temples and churches were being demolished and set on fire, and that both tribal and Bengali Hindu communities were facing forced conversions.

“If Tipra Motha is given an opportunity, we will send the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commissioner back to Dhaka within 20 minutes,” he said, reiterating his demand for a complete suspension of visa services. “They come here for treatment and education, but what do we get in return? Abuse and threats,” he added.

Clarifying his party’s position within its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Debbarman said Tipra Motha does not support violence and that no senior leader of the party had made derogatory remarks against any political group. He said violence only diverts attention from core issues such as land rights, language rights and identity.

On linguistic rights, Debbarman reiterated his party’s demand that Kokborok be written in Roman script. “We will not compromise on this issue. We do not want to write Bengali in examinations; we want Roman script,” he said.

He also called on the Tripura government and the Centre to frame a clear and long-term policy for the Northeast to safeguard future generations, stressing that Tipra Motha was seeking rights and respect without opposing any language or community.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally