"Our compulsion to maintain good ties with neighbours": Omar Abdullah on concern over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 9 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that it is a "compulsion" for India to maintain good relations with its neighbours, amid concerns over attacks on minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh.

"There are definitely some tensions in the relations between India and Bangladesh. The Foreign Secretary is conducting meetings there, and attempts are being made to improve the situation. It is a neighboring country, and the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee said that we can change our friends but not our neighbors. It is our compulsion to maintain good relations with our neighbours," Omar said while speaking to reporters in Jammu.

On the Rohingya issue, the J-K CM said, "It is a humanitarian issue. The central government should decide what is to be done about them. They should send them back if they can. And if we cannot send them back, then we cannot let them die of hunger or cold. As long as they are here, we will have to take care of them. We did not bring them here. If the policy of the central government has changed, then they should take them wherever they want. But as long as they are here, they cannot be treated like animals. They are humans and should be treated like humans..."Meanwhile, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday raised the issue of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, with Bangladesh leaders and officials in Dhaka.

"...I emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. I have underlined today India's desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh Authority..." Misri told reporters.

"We also discussed recent developments and I conveyed our concerns including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities.. We also discussed regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural and religious properties," he added.

Misri said the discussions have given both India and Bangladesh the opportunity to take stock of bilateral ties. "I appreciate the opportunity today to have had a frank, candid and constructive exchange of views with all my interlocutors..." he said.

There have been multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.

Arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 led to protests.

India had on November 26 noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.

"This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples," Ministry of External Affairs had said.

"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das," it added.

India had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. (ANI)