Blame-shifting is interim govt’s ‘habit’: India

India has rejected allegations that it instigated recent unrest in Bangladesh’s Khagrachhari district, saying the country’s interim government is “unable” to maintain law and order and has a “habit of shifting blame onto others”.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, Indian Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the claims were “false and baseless”, and that Bangladesh should focus on addressing “local extremist violence” targeting minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The comments follow remarks made in Dhaka by Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who suggested that India or “fascist elements” were behind the surge in violence, arson, and land grabs in the region.

He also alleged that arms and funds were being channelled in from abroad to destabilise the area.

On the night of Sept 23, tension erupted after allegations that a Marma teenage girl had been gang‑raped in Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila.

The following day, with support from the Army, police arrested 19‑year‑old Shayan Shil. Protests grew under the banner of Jummo Chhatra Janata, demanding the arrest of others involved.

A road blockade began on Sept 27, halting traffic on major regional highways.

Violence broke out in Guimara where the Section 144 restrictions was ignored, leading to the death of at least three people and looting of shops.

A medical report later found “no evidence of rape”, according to the lead doctor.

The unrest, however, continued, and on Sept 29, speaking in Dhaka, Advisor Jahangir alleged that the violence had “foreign backing”.

A journalist referred to a long‑running agenda allegedly tied to Indian provincial ambitions. In response, the advisor said: “That is a very valid question. These incidents are being carried out at the instigation of India or fascist forces. We are taking all possible steps to prevent this.”

Jahangir also claimed efforts were under way to disrupt a major Hindu festival, saying one group was trying to “incite unrest” during the celebrations.

He said a government advisor assigned to the hill region was coordinating with law enforcers and local leaders, and added that the situation was “more or less under control”.

On the matter of cross border involvement, he said: “Some criminals fired from the hilltops. Many came from outside. I don’t want to name the country, but one of my journalist brothers has already mentioned it.”