Situations are much worse in India, says Congress leader on attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Sunday condemned the attacks on Hindus and places of worship in Bangladesh and said that the situation is "much worse" in India.

"It is obvious that Hindu brothers are being discriminated against in Bangladesh. Temples are being attacked. The same situation exists here in Bharat. Mosques were demolished in Gujarat, and cemeteries have disappeared," Alvi said.

"Reports against mosques are emerging from Uttarakhand. You have also seen the Sambhal incident, where people were killed... Questions are being raised about the Ajmer Dargah Sharif," he said in response to comments made by PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti.


"Such situations are much worse here in India than in Bangladesh," Alvi added.

Mufti on Sunday described the November 24 Sambhal incident as "unfortunate" and compared the state of minorities in India with that in Bangladesh.

She expressed concern over the recent claims on mosques and shrines, saying, "...Today, I am afraid that the situation which was during 1947, we are being taken towards that direction. When the youth talk of jobs, they don't get it. We don't have good hospitals, education...They are not improving the condition of roads but are trying to demolish the mosque in search of a temple. The Sambhal incident is very unfortunate. Some were working in shops and were shot."

While commenting on the controversy surrounding the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Mufti said, "Ajmer Sharif Dargah where people from all religions offer prayers is the biggest example of brotherhood. Now they are also trying to dig into it to search for a temple."

Regarding the alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, Mufti said, "In Bangladesh, atrocities are being committed on Hindus. If atrocities will be committed on minorities in India also, then what is the difference between India and Bangladesh?... I don't find any difference between India and Bangladesh."

The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by increasing violence against minority communities, with temples being destroyed following the arrest of a former priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The international community has expressed concern over the situation, with India's Ministry of External Affairs stating that it is "concerned" about the safety and security of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh.

As for the Sambhal incident in Uttar Pradesh, the violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.

Four people were killed, and dozens, including policemen and officials, were injured in the clashes.