Assam Governor expresses concern over atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh

The recent spate of attacks in Bangladesh has upset Assam-Nagaland governor PB Acharya .

In a statement released by his office on Monday, he expressed his concerns over the increasing atrocities on religious minorities in Bangladesh.

"The killing of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh must stop. These should not be allowed to impact on friendly relationships," he said.

Acharya, who has a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) background, has managed to create controversy with his statements on several occasions.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had even written letter to the President of India demanding his removal.

Acharya's statement assumes significance because most pollsters expect the BJP to form the next government in Assam, either by itself or in alliance with other parties.

Recently, Acharya had said that India will give shelter to any Hindu who comes here to escape religious persecution from Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Referring to Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, he said that if any Muslim is being harassed in their country, they are welcome to seek shelter in India.

Nearly 20 secular writers, bloggers, professors, religious minorities (Hindu) and two foreigners have been killed in Bangladesh since 2013.

Islamic State (IS) and Al Qaeda have reportedly claimed responsibility for these killings.

However, the Sheikh Hasina government has not yet accepted the IS' claim and says the murders are the handiwork of home-grown Islamist radicals.