BJP threatens to block Dhaka-Kolkata train to protest Bangladesh killings

The BJP on Friday warned of carrying out a sustained protest movement on the Indo-Bangladesh border and stop the Dhaka-Kolkata train if killings of Hindus in the neighbouring country did not stop.

In the wake of a Hindu priest hacked to death in Bangladesh's Jhenaidah, the BJP led by its West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh, took out a rally in the city in protest against the killings of Hindus in Bangladesh.

"We have had a good relationship with Bangladesh so far but it will remain so as long as the Hindus there live a secured life. If the brutal killings continue we will start movements at the bordering areas of Benapole and Petropole. We will also stop the Maitree Express," Ghosh said at the rally.

"The Maitree Express need not run if there is no Maitree (friendship)," said Ghosh adding that a state party delegation will talk to the central leadership for putting pressure on Bangladesh over the issue.

BJP leaders also ridiculed the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India-Marxist over their silence in the matter.

"None of the political parties in Bengal are saying anything. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should immediately raise the matter with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," said party national secretary Rahul Sinha.

--IANS

bdc/and/vd