The youth wing of Tripura's ruling coalition partner, Tipra Motha, held a significant protest in Agartala on Friday, targeting alleged inflammatory statements made by a political leader from neighbouring Bangladesh.
Protest Outside Diplomatic Office
Members of the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) gathered outside the office of the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala. The demonstration was a direct response to remarks attributed to Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh's National Citizen Party. The protestors claimed his comments posed a serious threat to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the YTF, Abdullah's statements, made just two days prior to the protest, included insults directed at India and threats to seize the seven northeastern states. This alleged rhetoric ignited strong reactions from the group, which represents the youth wing of the key BJP ally in Tripura.
Leadership Condemns "Aggressive Rhetoric"
During the protest, participants shouted slogans condemning Bangladesh's interim leadership and expressed deep concern over what they described as increasingly aggressive language from across the border. YTF president Suraj Debbarma addressed the gathering, framing the demonstration as an expression of public sentiment rather than a formal political demand.
Debbarma accused Abdullah of making comments that jeopardised Indian interests, reportedly from a location near the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. He emphasised India's historical role, stating, "From in front of the assistant high commissioner’s office, we aim to convey a clear message," while highlighting India's crucial assistance during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.
He lamented that despite this shared history, recent statements from certain quarters were attempting to frame India as an adversary.
Warning of Unrest and Call for Action
The YTF president asserted that repeated threats concerning the capture of India's northeast have stirred anxiety and unrest among the local populations. Issuing a strong symbolic warning, he suggested that continued provocations could lead to heightened resistance from the region's inhabitants.
Debbarma also cautioned that if the Indian government does not properly evaluate the gravity of the situation, citizens might demand more robust actions to protect the nation's territorial integrity. "As responsible citizens of India, we are ready to defend our land and will not stay silent," he declared.
Adding another layer to the protest, the YTF leader voiced concerns about potential instability in Bangladesh as the country approaches elections, alleging foreign interference in its interim government. The demonstration concluded peacefully, having delivered its message to the diplomatic mission.
