In a shocking breach of international laws and border protocols, a contingent of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) armed with weapons illegally crossed into Indian territory in Assam’s Sribhumi district on December 5. The armed personnel attempted to halt the renovation of a centuries-old temple dedicated to Maa Manasa, citing concerns that it would “offend the sentiments” of people in the Islamic country and potentially trigger unrest.
The mandir, located on the banks of the Kushiyari River in Sribhumi, had fallen into disrepair and was undergoing renovation. The initiative, funded by a local BJP MP, Kripanath Mallah, with a grant of Rs 3 lakh, included the construction of a tall spire (shikara) that would make the temple visible even from across the river in Bangladesh.
According to eyewitnesses, a BGB team led by a subedar crossed the Kushiyari River using a speedboat from their Zakiganj outpost. Upon reaching the temple site, they ordered the labourers to stop construction immediately. The BGB alleged that the visible presence of the temple would offend Muslims in Bangladesh, as idol worship is considered “haram” in Islam.
Local resident Mintu Paul, who runs a grocery store nearby, recounted the incident, as quoted in Swarajya: “The BGB personnel landed near the mandir and demanded that work be stopped. They threatened the workers, saying they would shoot if construction resumed. They claimed the temple would provoke Muslims across the river.”
Another witness, Basudeb Mondal, a retired government clerk, said the BGB accused the renovation of being an intentional act to provoke Bangladesh.
“It is absurd to think that renovating a temple in India is an act of provocation. We told them if the sight of a temple is offensive, they should simply avoid looking at it.”
As news of the BGB’s incursion spread, angry locals began gathering near the mandir, raising slogans against Bangladesh and confronting the BGB personnel. However, a Border Security Force (BSF) team, which had been observing the situation, arrived on the scene to defuse tensions.
The BSF team, led by an Inspector, firmly told the BGB personnel to leave Indian territory immediately and warned them against future incursions.
“The temple is an old one, and its renovation will proceed as planned,” the BSF informed the BGB.
Outnumbered and facing stiff resistance from both the BSF and local residents, the BGB contingent retreated.
Uday Sankar Datta, the Additional District Commissioner of Sribhumi, stated that the district administration is preparing a detailed report on the incident to submit to the state home secretary.
“All measures have been taken to ensure the renovation of the Manasa Mandir proceeds without disruption. Additional police personnel and BSF troops have been deployed in the area for security.”
The district of Sribhumi, formerly known as Karimganj, was renamed last month by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to honour Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore had described the area as “Sribhumi” (land of Maa Lakshmi) due to its natural bounty and cultural significance. The renaming, however, sparked protests in the Zakiganj upazila of Bangladesh, with demonstrations alleging it was an insult to Muslims worldwide.
The BGB’s actions have been increasingly aggressive since the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus assumed power in Bangladesh. This incident follows an earlier attempt by the BGB to disrupt the construction of a border fence in Assam.
The incursion has drawn widespread condemnation from locals and political leaders. Many have called for stronger diplomatic action against such violations. Locals raised anti-Bangladesh slogans during the incident and warned the BGB against further incursions.
