West Bengal: Protests erupt in Kolkata over Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest in Bangladesh

Multiple protests were held in Kolkata on Thursday opposing the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. Most notably, the ISKCON also protested in front of their temple in the city, displaying banners and posters with the message, “We are not terrorists.”

The minority department of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, along with the West Bengal Youth Congress, and the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch also took out separate marches towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, demanding the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

ISKCON monks and members, led by the organisation’s Kolkata vice president Radharaman Das, staged a peaceful protest featuring their traditional kirtans. The event saw participation from common devotees, including women and children, as well. Protesters also called on the Bangladeshi government to not ban ISKCON in the country.

The march organised by the Congress's minority department and youth wing, which saw protesters walking with roses and banners saying “humans come before a nation” witnessed a modest turnout.

However, it conveyed a powerful message of peace and inclusivity, highlighting solidarity among India's minority communities in support of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. A delegation of five representatives was permitted to meet with the deputy high commissioner.

In contrast, the protest organised by the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch witnessed occasional instances of unrest as demonstrators disregarded the security protocols set by the Kolkata police. Protesters forcibly removed barricades, engaged in scuffles with the police, and attempted to breach security.

At the final layer of security, outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, police informed the protesters that a delegation of five members would be permitted to meet the Bangladeshi diplomat. Following a brief discussion, the protesters complied, and the selected representatives held a meeting with the official.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the Assembly on Thursday, condemned the unrest and the alleged atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The Trinamool supremo stated that she has held talks with ISKCON officials as well.

Describing the situation in Bangladesh as “unacceptable” and “unfortunate,” CM Banerjee assured that her party would back any decision taken by the central government to address the matter.