We don't want riots: Mamata Banerjee asks politicians to not make provocative remarks on Bangladesh situation
We don't want riots: Mamata Banerjee asks politicians to not make provocative remarks on Bangladesh situation
Kolkata/IBNS: Amid escalating tension between India and Bangladesh over the atrocities on minorities in the neighbouring country, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday asked political leaders to refrain from making any provocative statements.
Addressing the state Assembly, Banerjee said: "Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians don't start riots. Anti-social elements start riots. We should not make any remark that creates a bad situation in Bengal. I am happy that both Hindus and the Muslim minority here are protesting against atrocities in Bangladesh. This shows our secular nature."
She said minority leaders wanted to take out a rally but she asked them not to as the issue is a diplomatic one.
"I asked them not to. Many people will use this as an opportunity. They would start another riot. We don't want riots, we want peace. Hindus and Muslims and Sikhs and Christians have the same blood," Banerjee said.
She appealed to a section of the media for restraint in coverage of the Bangladesh situation.
"This is not Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan that we will ban or arrest you. But I request you. Many fake videos are doing the rounds. A political party is trying to ignite a fire. Both communities must be watchful of this," she said.
"Those thinking of politicising this must remember that it will hurt your state too and your friends there," she said.
The Bengal Chief Minister said many people from Bangladesh want to cross the border. "The BSF is watching. We will not comment on this. Those with money are coming on planes or trains, but the poor cannot. We don't handle the border. Let them (Centre). We don't interfere in matters of External Affairs (ministry)," she said.
"Let us show Bengalis on the other side a sense of nationalism, compassion and affection," she said.
The Bengal Chief Minister said many people from Bangladesh want to cross the border. "The BSF is watching. We will not comment on this. Those with money are coming on planes or trains, but the poor cannot. We don't handle the border. Let them (Centre). We don't interfere in matters of External Affairs (ministry)," she said.
"Let us show Bengalis on the other side a sense of nationalism, compassion and affection," she said.
The comments come at a time when Bangladesh has said it is inappropriate for India to comment on the internal affairs of the country, hours after visiting Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri raised the issue of the safety of minorities in the Muslim-majority nation while meeting his counterpart Md Touhid Hossain.
“We emphasized that this is an internal matter for Bangladesh and that foreign comments on our internal issues are inappropriate,” Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune after the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC).
“I also reminded that Bangladesh refrains from commenting on the internal affairs of other countries, and such mutual respect should be extended by others as well,” he said.
Misri's visit to Dhaka marked the first diplomatic interaction between the two nations ever since the toppling of former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government in the neighbouring nation on August 5.
“I also reminded that Bangladesh refrains from commenting on the internal affairs of other countries, and such mutual respect should be extended by others as well,” he said.
Misri's visit to Dhaka marked the first diplomatic interaction between the two nations ever since the toppling of former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government in the neighbouring nation on August 5.
