Yuva Morcha demands halt to trade with Bangladesh through Manu Land Customs station

After fresh violence and atrocities against minority Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh,  the ruling party’s youth organization has directly approached the district administration demanding a complete suspension of import–export trade between India and Bangladesh through Kailashahar border of Unakoti district.

After large-scale protest by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and barricading in export-import point in Kailashahar, the representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate (DM), following which a tense atmosphere has prevailed at the Manu Land Customs station along the Kailashahar India–Bangladesh international border.

Local residents fear that the situation in the border area could spiral out of control at any moment and to avoid any kind of further escalation of tension, the district administration has deployed large number security forces at the Manu Land Customs station.

It may be mentioned that in recent days, in protest against the killing of a Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, a protest rally and demonstration were organized by the Hindu Aaikhya Manch, an organization affiliated to VHP  in Kailashahar on Wednesday( December 24) last. After the demonstration ended, bamboo barricades were erected by the organization near the R.K.I. School ground at the Manu Land Customs area along the international border to stop import–export activities for an indefinite period.

However, later that night, unknown persons broke the bamboo barricades. For the second time, bamboo barricades were again put up by the Hindu Aaikhya Manch at the same location, but subsequently the administration removed the barricades and reopened the route for trade.

Now, again Yuva Morcha has stepped directly into the movement under the leadership of Arup Dhar, President of the Unakoti District Committee of the Yuva Morcha, party workers and supporters submitted a memorandum to Dr. Tamal Majumdar, DM of Unakoti district on Tuesday.

After submitting the memorandum, Arup Dhar stated that extremist elements in Bangladesh are repeatedly killing Hindus and abusing India, while trade with Bangladesh continues—something that is unacceptable under any circumstances. Therefore, the Yuba Morcha has formally demanded an immediate halt to import–export activities.

He warned that if the administration does not stop the trade within the next 48 hours, the Yuva Morcha will launch a large-scale agitation across Kailashahar. The agitation may include road blockades, gherao of the District Magistrate’s office, and other protest programs.

Arup Dhar further said that if law and order deteriorates in Kailashahar due to their possible movements, the administration will be held responsible.

Meanwhile, the local administration has deployed additional security forces at the Manu Land Customs area where import–export activities are conducted.