16/08/2024:Bansuri Swaraj attend nari shakti protest march against violence on minorities in Bangladesh

Hundreds of women participated in a rally initiated from Mandi House to conclude at Jantar Mantar. It was organized by the RSS-affiliated Nari Shakti Forum. Suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma also joined in the march.

The Nari Shakti protesters came out with religious flags and placards that advocated for an end to the violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Most of them were in black armbands, while others had black bands across their mouths to symbolize a protest where people could only observe silence.

After the August 5 resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, violence has intensified in Bangladesh in the protests against the country’s controversial job quota system, which has taken several Hindu lives.

JNU VC Santishree D Pandit said at the march, “Human rights are not reserved for a few. They are for all. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Dalits—everybody is being attacked in Bangladesh and nobody is speaking for them.”

Pandit said she had come to support a women-led movement.

Here, Shreyosi Sinha Basu spoke of the targeting of Hindus and Buddhists in Bangladesh. She also talked about her family’s own experience of having to flee Bangladesh during the Noakhali riots and in 1971, and that even today, some her relatives remain in the country.

Basu said, “I am in regular touch with people in Bangladesh, and the condition of minorities is extremely pathetic. The visa office is closed, and the embassy has been closed indefinitely.” She criticized the Muhammad Yunus government, saying that their public vows about the protection of her citizens were hollow and the Hindus and Buddhists were particularly vulnerable.

Another nari shakti protester, Dimple, shared her sentiment over how Bangladesh was treating both Hindus and women. “This silent march was needed, but now it’s time to speak out,” she said.

Pointing out, “This is not about religion; this is human rights,” stated Neha Mishra, an assistant professor at Delhi University. “This should be seen in terms of human rights violation and not in terms of religious rights,” she said.

The response was overwhelming, with many men participating as well. Surender Rana, resident of Burari and an RSS member, also appealed for an end of the attacks on Hindus and their temples in Bangladesh. He asked the present government to ensure the safety of all minorities.

A non-political Hindu religious group, the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, reported minority attacks and threats in 278 locations in 48 districts since August 5. It described the events as an “assault” on Hinduism.

The Nari Shakti march resulted in serious traffic snarls in the heart of Lutyens’, with traffic police regulating traffic outside Janpath Road, Connaught Place, Barakhamba Road, and Kasturba Gandhi Marg. Feroz Shah Road has been closed, leading to a traffic jam between Barakhamba and Mandi House, besides in the Nirman Bhawan area.

MrSingtv.com