December 2, 2024: The situation in Assam's Barak Valley is rapidly deteriorating as tensions escalate over alleged Hindu oppression in neighboring Bangladesh. Hundreds of protesters from Assam have gathered at the Sutarkandi border, attempting to cross the India to protest on behalf of Bangladeshi Hindus. This has led to violent clashes between demonstrators and local law enforcement, leaving both sides with injuries.

The unrest stems from concerns over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, particularly in the wake of recent communal violence that has targeted religious minorities. Demonstrators have called for India to take stronger action to protect Hindus across the border, demanding to cross into Bangladesh to "rescue" those being oppressed. However, local authorities, including police from the nearby Sribhumi region, have been working to block any attempts to breach the border, citing national security and border integrity concerns.

Local police have engaged in several standoffs with protesters as they attempted to march towards the border, resulting in skirmishes that have left several injured. As the confrontations continue, both the protesters and law enforcement are struggling to maintain control, with reports of further flare-ups expected in the coming days.

In an effort to intensify the protest, Hindu nationalist groups in Assam have called for a boycott of Bangladeshi goods. On Sunday, large quantities of Bangladeshi products were set ablaze in a symbolic protest at the Kulsiyara border, part of a larger campaign spearheaded by Hindutva organizations. These groups claim that the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh must be met with stronger actions from India and the international community.

The protests have drawn political support from several figures within Assam. Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the region, has openly backed the protesters, going so far as to announce a ban on the import of oranges from Bangladesh, which were previously brought through the Kulsiyara border. Purkayastha's move has sparked both praise and controversy; while some view it as a necessary stand for the protection of Hindus, others argue that it risks further straining India-Bangladesh relations.

The crisis in Barak Valley is fueled by reports of increasing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the destruction of temples and attacks on the Hindu community in the wake of recent communal clashes. In response, religious leaders and activists in Assam have expressed solidarity with their Bangladeshi counterparts, calling for greater international attention and intervention to protect the rights of Hindus in the neighboring country.

As the situation remains volatile, the local police have vowed to continue working to prevent any large-scale border crossing attempts.