It is outrageous that 10 people from what is known colloquially as the Bihari community were allowed to burn to death in Saturday’s arson attacks at the Bihari Camp in Mirpur. In effect, they were reportedly trapped in their homes, which were locked from the outside.
Attacks of violence, vandalism, and senseless killings such as this are uncalled for, and perpetrators must not be allowed to go unpunished.
The main reason why the Bihari community was targeted, and has been for years, is because they are treated as second-class citizens by the government, and thereby seen as helpless by all else who want to take advantage of them. In fact, allegations have been made that the attack was a ploy to grab the Bihari Camp’s land.
The so-called Biharis have been living in this nation for years. The vast majority alive today were born here, and know no other home. And despite allegations to the contrary, they have put down roots here and almost all want to stay here.
They are full citizens of this nation, and should be treated as such. Their rights must be recognised and acknowledged by all.
As long as the government continues to treat them as second-class citizens, as long as it continues to ignore their concerns and disregard their safety, they will remain vulnerable. They will continue to be harassed and attacked.
