Hundreds of leaders and activists of the Hindu Ekta Manch from India's Assam state marched towards Bangladesh through the Sutarkandi border in Bianibazar, Sylhet. At one point, they attempted to enter Bangladesh but were stopped by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Karimganj police, who erected barbed wire barricades.

The march was reportedly organized under the banner of the Hindu Ekta Manch to protest alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. Videos of this movement, involving hundreds of Indian citizens, surfaced on social media on Sunday evening, causing an uproar in Sylhet and other border regions.

Several videos shared online show BSF personnel blocking a road near the Sutarkandi border checkpoint in Karimganj, Assam. In the footage, hundreds of Indian citizens were seen clashing with police while attempting to enter Bangladesh. BSF personnel eventually joined the police to control the situation.

Due to the BSF and police barricades, the protesters were unable to reach the Sutarkandi land port and were stopped at a distance. In one video, a Hindu leader from Assam’s Barak Valley is heard expressing anger, saying they are willing to risk their lives to enter Bangladesh, claiming their march is a protest against the persecution of minorities in the country.

Following the incident, security along the Bianibazar and Zakiganj borders in Sylhet was heightened. Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Hasan, commander of the 52nd BGB Battalion, stated that the protesters demonstrated at least two kilometers inside Indian territory, near the Sheola border.

Reports from Sylhet indicate that tension has been building in Assam for several days, prompting law enforcement in Sylhet to set up checkpoints on roads leading from the border areas. Vehicles are being searched, and operations are underway to apprehend potential troublemakers.

On Monday afternoon, members of the Sanatani Ekta Manch began protesting near the customs station in Karimganj, Sribhoomi. They subsequently blocked all trade activities, including imports and exports between Bangladesh and India, at the Zakiganj customs station.

Major Gazi Mohammad Salahuddin, Additional Director (Operations) of the Sylhet BGB, told on Monday evening that he had no specific information about the incident but confirmed that BGB personnel are on high alert at all borders. He also acknowledged seeing related videos circulating in Indian media and on social platforms.

Source: Daily Naya Diganta