PM must ensure release of ISKCON monk: BJP MP

Three BJP MPs led by Mathura lawmaker Hema Malini raised the issue of attacks on minorities in neighbouring Bangladesh in the Lok Sabha. The veteran actor said rather than a diplomatic issue, it was a matter of religious sentiments.

Raising the matter during the zero hour, Hema Malini said she felt sad about vandalism at Hindu temples in Bangladesh and the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.

"The safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh is under threat and they are facing atrocities from radicals. ISKCON temples are all over the world and they spread Vedic culture. Being a Krishna disciple and the MP from Mathura, I think that more than a diplomatic issue, this is an issue of religious sentiments. We cannot tolerate the insult to religion," she said.

BJP MP from Assam's Udalguri Dilip Saikia said the world was witnessing inhuman behaviour against minorities.

He alleged that several Hindu businesses and establishments had been burnt down in Bangladesh and the ISKCON priest had been arrested on sedition charges.

"Parliament should adopt a resolution to send a message to Bangladesh, asking it stop atrocities against Hindus," Saikia demanded.

Ujjain BJP MP Anil Firojiya said the arrest of the ISKCON priest was a serious issue and the PM should intervene and get him released.