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LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 4366
ANSWERED ON- 20.12.2024

VIOLENCE AGAINST HINDUS IN BANGLADESH

4366. SHRI ARVIND DHARMAPURI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) the total number of cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities reported in neighboring countries during the last three years, country-wise and year-wise;

(b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Ministry to protect minorities, including diplomatic interventions and relief measures; and

(c) the details of the data of long-term strategies developed by the Government to ensure the safety and rights of minorities in neighboring countries alongwith the actions taken in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) As per available data from minority/ human rights organisations, the number of cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities are as follows:

Cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighboring countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) - NIL

(b) Government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. India’s expectation is that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. The same has also been reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024. The High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely.

Government of India raises the issue of violence against the minority communities through diplomatic channels and has urged the Government of Pakistan to take steps to prevent religious intolerance, sectarian violence, systemic persecution and attacks on minority communities and ensure their safety, security, and well-being. India continues to highlight the plight of minorities in Pakistan at appropriate international fora.

(c) The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens, including minorities, rests with the Government of the country concerned.