Synopsis
In a significant demonstration, the Tipra Motha Party protests against Bangladesh's embankment constructions that threaten Indian territories. This article explores the implications and the political landscape surrounding these tensions.Key Takeaways
- Protests led by Tipra Motha Party highlight local concerns.
- Bangladesh embankments threaten Indian territories.
- Calls for stronger government action are increasing.
- Flooding risks during monsoon raise alarm in Tripura.
- Political tensions between India and Bangladesh are intensifying.
Agartala, April 28 (NationPress) The ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), held significant protests on Monday against the construction of embankments by the Bangladesh government along the Tripura border, a move they claim threatens Indian territories during the monsoon season.
A multitude of TMP supporters gathered in the South Tripura district headquarters of Belonia, attempting to advance towards the India-Bangladesh border area but were met with police resistance.
Participants in the protest displayed banners stating "We oppose the Bangladesh government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus" and engaged in intense discussions with law enforcement over their right to protest near the border.
One protester asserted that the Bangladesh government was breaching agreements by constructing embankments right along the zero line of the India-Bangladesh border, which could lead to flooding in Belonia and surrounding villages during the monsoon, potentially causing extensive property damage.
The demonstrators also called for the resignation of Muhammad Yunus.
The founder and Chief of TMP, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, earlier urged the Central government to adopt a more assertive approach towards Bangladesh, accusing the neighboring nation of fostering fundamentalist elements targeting Hindu minorities.
Debbarma, a former royal from the Manikya dynasty, voiced his support for India's recent stance against Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed the need for a similar determination to be shown towards Bangladesh, stating, "Pakistan and Bangladesh aim to encircle India, one from the west and the other from the east". He emphasized that issues affecting eastern India should receive equal national focus and action.
Debbarma mentioned that the embankments in question pose a threat to at least two district headquarters: Belonia and Kailashahar (Unakoti district).
Reports indicate that the construction of a large embankment by Bangladesh has been halted due to opposition from the Border Security Force (BSF) in Unakoti district, while the neighboring country is now building another large embankment opposite South Tripura's Belonia.
The Bangladesh government's embankment construction has caused alarm among residents of Unakoti and South Tripura districts, who fear that the upcoming monsoon could lead to significant flooding and damage to both public and private properties.
Tripura's Chief Minister, Manik Saha, stated he has communicated the embankment concerns of Unakoti and South Tripura districts to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, noting that the situation is currently under review.
He assured that the state government is seriously addressing these matters and has gathered detailed information regarding the embankment issues in South Tripura to forward to the Centre for necessary actions.
Additionally, Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Tripura Public Works Department, recently visited Unakoti and South Tripura, conducting on-site studies with senior officials. He reported that the state government has initiated efforts to construct new embankments and repair existing ones at an expenditure of Rs 150 crore.
Meanwhile, the opposition Congress party has organized multiple protests against the embankment constructions by the Bangladesh government, while CPI-M leader Dipankar Sen has urged the Tripura government to urgently address the matter with the Central authorities.
