Itanagar, Sept 28: The Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha on Friday submitted a memorandum to PM Narendra Modi seeking his intervention to halt violence and desecration of Buddhist and Hindu temples and to protect minority communities in Bangladesh.

“We express our deep anguish and concern over the ongoing violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in early August 2024. With utmost respect and reverence for your leadership, we seek your kind intervention in addressing this grave matter and ensuring the safety and dignity of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly the Buddhist and Hindu populations,” the memorandum stated.

It further added, “The recent upsurge in violence, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), has escalated to alarming levels. Since mid-September 2024, Indigenous Buddhist tribal communities have been subjected to systematic attacks. Temples, including Buddha Viharas, have been torched, vandalized, and sacred Buddha idols desecrated. The violence has led to the displacement of families, the destruction of homes, and multiple fatalities. Reports suggest that many lives have been lost, and a significant number of families remain displaced as their homes and businesses were set on fire.”

The Sangha said such widespread destruction has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the Buddhist and Hindu minority communities in the country.

It further said the Buddhist and Hindu minorities are being systematically targeted by extremist groups, which seems to be carried out with the tacit support of the Bangladesh Army and fundamentalist elements.

“This constitutes a serious threat not only to the minority communities but also to the ideals of religious harmony and peace that both India and Bangladesh have historically aspired to uphold,” they said.

Ven. Dhammakitti Mahathero, president, Arunachal Bhikkhu Sangha said, “We urge the government of Bangladesh to take immediate and decisive action to stop the ongoing violence, protect minority communities, and ensure the safety of their places of worship.”

Read: Khasi Jaintia Christian leaders urge Meghalaya govt to curb provocative yatras

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