(L-R) Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi
Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru: Shivajinagar Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to hesitate in taking "decisive military action" like Indira Gandhi did in 1971 to safeguard Hindu minorities in turmoil-hit Bangladesh.
"I write to you today as a concerned citizen of India deeply distressed by the recent reports and videos circulating on social media, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh and the atrocities being reported against Hindu minorities in the region," Arshad stated in a letter to Modi.
"If these reports are true, given the historical and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, it is imperative that India takes a proactive stance in addressing these issues," Arshad stated.
Arshad stated that the "safety and well-being" of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh should be "of paramount concern".
He urged Modi to hold talks with the new Bangladesh government "to ensure that immediate and effective measures are taken to protect their rights and dignity".
"The right-wing social media influencers and handles in India have been circulating news which if true (many have been found fake too), I urge the Government of India to ascertain the authenticity of these reports/videos. If they are proven true, the Government of India should take firm action," Arshad wrote.
Stating that Indians have always stood for justice, peace and the protection of human rights, Arshad wrote, "As our Prime Minister, you should not hesitate to take decisive military action like Smt Indira Gandhi did in 1971. I request you to use your esteemed office to extend a hand of support to our Hindu brothers and sisters in Bangladesh during this critical time." Arshad also wrote about minorities in India.
"I trust that under your leadership, India will take decisive action to not only address concerns of minorities in Bangladesh but also in India, who have been under constant attack both economically and socially by the right-wing," he stated.
"Please work towards ensuring the safety and security of our Hindu brethren in Bangladesh and our fellow citizens, in particular minorities of India," he wrote.