Hasina assures India on minority protection

India has raised with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of growing attacks on minorities specially Hindus after Jan 5 polls -- and has been assured of firm measures to stop them.

Hasina told India's national security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon that her government will not leave any stone unturned to protect the religious minorities.

"My government will deploy additional police and para-military troops in sensitive areas. They have strict instructions to crack down at those who have attacked minorities," Hasina told Menon during a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

Menon had called up to raise the issue , saying he had received intimation from some Indian states bordering Bangladesh of minority populations trying to mass on the frontier and trying to cross over to India for safety.

Hasina said newly elected MPs of her party and those in her alliance have been asked to reach areas where minorities have been attacked after the polling.

They will coordinate with the administration and the law-enforcing agencies and ensure no one has to flee their hearth and home, the Prime Minister told Menon.

File Photo

Sources in the Indian ministry of external affairs say Menon appeared satisfied after the discussion over telephone.

India's opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has already raised the issue of attacks on Hindus after the Jan 5 polls.

"There have been widespread attacks on Hindus in many parts of Bangladesh and we are very concerned. I hope we dont suffer spill-over effects of a disturbed neighborhood," said BJP leader in Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Arun Jaitley.

But Jaitley made it clear he was against any interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

"We should however let Bangladesh know of our strong concerns," he said.