A massive protest rally was organised by the Mog and Chakma tribes in Tripura on Friday, followed by a submission of a memorandum to the Indian Home Minister. This was in response to the ongoing attacks, killings, and harassment of minority tribes and Hindus in various parts of Bangladesh, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, allegedly perpetrated by the Muslim majority.
One Buddhist organisation and five Mog organisations—Tripura Bhikshu Sangha Rakshita Association, Mog Socio-Cultural Organization, Mahamuni Development Society, Mog Youth Organization, and Society for Welfare of Mog Students—led the protest. Thousands of Indigenous people participated, with notable figures like Dr. Dhamapriya, Chairman of the International Buddhist Confederation, MLA Milafru Mog, and Thinking Mog leading the march.
The protest procession traversed Sabroom town and a memorandum was submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, to be forwarded to the Indian Home Minister Amit Shah. In the absence of the SDM, DCM Nakul Pal and DCM Manoj Prabhakar Pal received the memorandum from Dr. Dhamapriya and assured that it would be promptly sent to the Indian Home Ministry.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Dhamapriya, Chairman of the International Buddhist Confederation, appealed to the people and the army of Bangladesh to take humanitarian steps to stop the attacks on minority tribes, especially Buddhists, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
He emphasized that Buddhists have always been peaceful and that they have coexisted peacefully in Bangladesh for a long time.
He expressed concern about rumours and misinformation on social media creating communal unrest. The Chairman urged the Bangladesh Army and the people to not heed rumours and to take humanitarian steps to protect the lives and property of the indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
He also suggested that any grievances should be addressed through the legal process.
Dr. Dhamapriya reiterated minority tribes, particularly Buddhists, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, are facing communal attacks daily.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
