"West Bengal is first when it comes to secularism": CM Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], December 9 (ANI): Expressing concern over the 'torture' of minorities in neighbouring Bangladesh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that it is not acceptable to any of us.
Speaking in the West Bengal legislative assembly, Mamata Banerjee said that the violence in Bangladesh is done by 'dangerous anti-social elements.'.
"The way minorities are being tortured in Bangladesh is not acceptable to any of us. Communal violence is not done by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians--it is done by dangerous antisocial elements who are a burden on society. We should remember this and not make any statement that may hamper the situation in West Bengal," CM Banerjee said.
She further said that West Bengal leads by example when it comes to 'secularism'.,
"I am thankful that while on one hand, Hindus are protesting, on the other hand, Imams also held a press conference to unequivocally and vehemently condemn the atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. This just shows that Bengal is first when it comes to showing an example of secularism," she stated.
"We don't want riots; we only want peace. Our blood is the same," she added.
She appealed to everyone to stay away from misinformation and refrain from making unnecessary statements that 'threaten' the situation.
"We are not in favour of one group; everyone cares for everyone here. Let the Government of India decide on the Bangladesh matter. We should not make unnecessary statements that may threaten the situation here. Those who want to politicise this matter should understand that it will hamper our state as well as our friends, sisters, and brothers staying there," the West Bengal CM said.
"As far as I know, the foreign secretary will have a meeting tomorrow in Bangladesh. Let them decide. I have always been clear that we will never interfere when it comes to external affairs. My party's and our state government's policy is to follow GOI guidelines on the matter... We hope the meeting is successful," she added.
She further highlighted that West Bengal has no connection with Bangladesh politics while appealing to all to not fall for any provocation.
"We have no connection with the politics in Bangladesh, and we don't want to comment on what kind of politics they do. But in our country, we follow secularism, democracy, and our Constitution. We should not fall for any provocation," she stated. (ANI)