Clashes Erupt at India-Bangladesh Border Over Protest Against Swami Chinmay Krishna Das Arrest

A tense standoff unfolded near the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Sribhoomi district as thousands of protesters attempted to cross into Bangladesh, opposing the arrest of ISKCON’s former member, Swami Chinmay Krishna Das. The arrest, which many view as an attack on Hindu faith and minority rights in Bangladesh, has triggered widespread outrage.

The protest, organised under the banner of the Sanatani Oikyo Manch, saw demonstrators gathering at Ulukandi, just 500 metres from the Sutarkandi border. Despite police barricades, the protesters marched forward, breaking through two barriers before being stopped by the Border Security Force (BSF) at the final barricade, about 200 metres from the border.

Clashes erupted as protesters pushed against the barricades, resulting in injuries on both sides. Police resorted to lathi charges to disperse the crowd, which led to further chaos. Visuals from the scene showed a sea of people pushing back against officials from the CRPF, BSF, and local police.

One woman among the protesters alleged that the police targeted women during the lathi charge, leaving many severely injured. “They hit us, but we won’t stop. We are protesting against the Yunus Government in Bangladesh, which has insulted Hindu faith by arresting Swami Chinmay Krishna Das,” she said.

The woman further added that the people who even stole the dirt from Sheikh Hasina’s toilet, they dare to disrespect the faith of Hindus. This remark refers to the infamous looting of Sheikh Hasina’s residence, after her resignation.

The protest stems from the Bangladeshi government’s recent arrest of Swami Chinmay Krishna Das on charges of sedition. The move was accompanied by an attempt to ban ISKCON, though the Bangladeshi High Court rejected the appeal. The incident has been perceived as an assault on the rights of Hindus and religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Authorities have deployed additional forces to the border to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, the Sanatani Oikyo Manch vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.