Protests erupt in Mumbai over arrest of ex-ISKCON leader Chinmoy
Hundreds of protesters held a demonstration outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai, India today (2 December), demanding the immediate release of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was recently sent to jail on sedition charges.
The protesters included members of Indian right-wing groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), religious leaders and activists, BJP MLA and former Indian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, reports The Hindu.
"Over 500 people, including sadhus, saints, and members of the public, participated in the demonstration," VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair told the Indian media.
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"The situation of Hindus in Bangladesh is alarming. The government there must act to protect our fellow Hindus, who are minorities in that country."
Later on, the protesters submitted a memorandum to the Indian deputy high commissioner condemning Chinmoy's arrest, citing it as a violation of democratic and religious freedom.
Earlier today, an attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission took place this noon as thousands of people took out a massive rally in the Tripura capital to protest the arrest of Chinmoy Das, demand his immediate release, and the stoppage of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.
The government of Bangladesh, in a statement, said it deeply resents the violent demonstration and attack by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala today (2 December) on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala.
