Religious Blasphemy Allegations and the Story of Violence and Humanity in Sunamganj

Tuhin sarwar- In Sunamganj, a Hindu youth is accused of making a blasphemous comment on Facebook, which triggered widespread violence and looting in the Doyarabazar and Monglargarh areas on Tuesday night. However, in the neighboring Noni Gaon, the attempts of violence were thwarted as Muslim neighbors stood in solidarity to protect their Hindu counterparts, presenting a shining example of human solidarity.

The Blasphemy Allegations and the Violence

The incident began on Tuesday afternoon when news spread about a Facebook post allegedly insulting the Quran. This stirred up tension, and a protest gathering was organized in the market, which was broadcast live on Facebook. Around 8 PM, the violence erupted in Doyarabazar and later spread to Monglargarh. The police had already arrested the accused, Akash Das, from Monglargarh before the violence began. Despite this, groups of people, armed with sticks, rampaged through the area, looting homes, temples, and businesses.

According to victims and witnesses, more than 100 houses, shops, and temples were attacked, and several Hindu families fled the area in fear. The authorities, however, dismissed these reports as exaggerated, claiming that only a few homes and one temple were damaged. The police and administration insisted that the situation was under control.

Bijen Das, a neighbor of Akash, shared his account of the events, stating, “After the police took Akash, the mob attacked his house. Then, the entire village was overrun by around 700-800 people armed with sticks. They looted my house and took all the money, jewelry, and valuables. I stayed but sent my wife and daughters to another location for safety. They even set fire to my house.”

The situation became even more alarming when the mob moved across the village, destroying and looting more homes and businesses. In the neighboring Monglargarh, a similar pattern of violence occurred, leaving several families in fear, some of whom fled to nearby cities.

The Humanitarian Resistance in Noni Gaon

In stark contrast to the violence in Doyarabazar and Monglargarh, Noni Gaon, a neighboring village with a Muslim-majority population, witnessed a remarkable display of humanity. The Muslim residents of Noni Gaon prevented the mob from attacking the homes of their Hindu neighbors. Bijen Das said, “Noni Gaon is predominantly Muslim, and they did not allow anyone to attack the homes of Hindus there. They stood with us and prevented the violence.”

This act of resistance in Noni Gaon has been hailed as a beacon of human solidarity, showing that despite religious tensions, people can unite and stand together against injustice.

Government Response and Control

Despite the ongoing violence, the authorities claim that the situation is under control. Police and military forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. The police also arrested Akash Das under the Cyber Security Act for his alleged blasphemous post, but they have not filed any charges regarding the violence itself. The local administration claims that the violence was limited, with only minor damage to property, although victims insist on the severity of the attacks.

The General Secretary of the Sunamganj Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, Bishwajit Chakraborty, who visited the area after the incident, reported that the violence and looting occurred between 8 PM and midnight. “The attacks started in the market and later spread to the villages. More than 100 homes, shops, and temples were looted and damaged,” he said. However, local police officials insist the reports of widespread violence are exaggerated.

Conclusion

The violence in Sunamganj following the religious blasphemy allegations highlights the ongoing social tensions. However, the peaceful resistance shown by Muslim neighbors in Noni Gaon provides a powerful example of coexistence and solidarity. While the authorities claim the situation is under control, the aftermath of the violence and the displacement of many Hindu families reflect the deep-rooted religious divides and the need for continued efforts toward peace and harmony.

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