Siliguri Hoteliers Ban Bangladeshi Citizens Amid Rising Minority Attacks
Siliguri, West Bengal: Hoteliers in Siliguri have declared a ban on accommodating Bangladeshi citizens, citing concerns over the increasing attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. The decision, announced on Monday, follows similar restrictions implemented in Assam and Tripura.
Rajiv Das, president of the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers’ Welfare Association, stated, “An insult to our national flag is an insult to the entire nation and its people.” This stance aligns with similar measures taken by hotels in Assam’s Barak Valley and Tripura on December 2.
The decision comes in the wake of protests in Agartala over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and escalating attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The unrest also included a breach at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, prompting strong condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Siliguri, a vital hub in North Bengal near the borders of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, plays a significant role in regional tourism. It serves as a gateway for travelers heading to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Dooars, and is strategically positioned close to the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The Siliguri Hoteliers’ Association acknowledged that the decision to ban Bangladeshi citizens from staying in local hotels would result in financial losses for the industry. However, they emphasized that the nation’s interests must take precedence over business concerns.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on Monday for the annual Foreign Office consultations with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mohammad Jashim Uddin, amid ongoing tensions.
