The Tripura government has suspended three police officers, transferred a senior officer, and arrested seven people in the wake of a major security breach of the Bangladesh diplomatic mission in Agartala. The situation spiralled out of control after around 50 protesters agitated against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
The protesters broke into the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in the Indian city, and Dhaka condemned it immediately. The Bangladeshi government blamed local police for failing to contain the situation and said the incident had left the mission staff with a “deep sense of insecurity.” Dhaka has urged New Delhi to take “immediate action” to ensure the security of its diplomatic staff.
The incident was termed “deeply regrettable” by the Ministry of External Affairs in India, which, while condemning the act, reaffirmed that “diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances.” The government is taking steps to enhance security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its other diplomatic missions in the country.
A senior Tripura police officer confirmed that an inquiry into the incident has already been ordered by the BJP-led government. Suspended officers include Sub-Inspectors Dilu Jamatia, Debabrata Sinha, and Joynal Hossain, while Assistant Commandant Kanti Nath Ghosh was removed on grounds of negligence in managing the situation.
Following the incident, the security at the Bangladesh mission in Agartala has been beefed up. Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha condemned the protest. He said that while peaceful demonstrations were allowed, such actions were entirely unacceptable.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained in recent times, particularly after reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The unrest has led to protests in solidarity with these communities. The External Affairs Minister has called upon the interim government in Bangladesh to protect the minorities, while Bangladesh has assured India that it is committed to averting communal tensions.
