Outrage Erupts Over Vandalization of Meghalaya Freedom Fighter's Statue in Dhaka

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday condemned the vandalization of U Tirot Sing's statue, a freedom fighter from the state’s Khasi Hills, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The act has sparked fury and widespread condemnation across Meghalaya.

The BJP, an ally of the ruling National People's Party (NPP), also criticized the attack and highlighted the violence against minorities and their places of worship in Bangladesh.

In a post on X, Sangma stated, "I strongly condemn the vandalization of the bust of U Tirot Sing Syiem, the braveheart of Khasi Hills and freedom fighter of Meghalaya, at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh." The statue, inaugurated in February and funded by the Indian government, honors Tirot Sing, who declared war against the British in 1829 and fought heroically before his capture and death in 1835.

Visuals of the vandalized statue have gone viral on social media, eliciting strong reactions from various quarters in Meghalaya. The local authorities have been urged to take action to prevent further escalation. Following the incident, the BSF has increased troop presence along the Indo-Bangladesh border to curb illegal entry from the neighboring country, and curfews have been imposed in border districts.

(With inputs from agencies.)