Kolkata – Violence took place in some places in Bengal on Ram Navami. A Ram Navami procession was attacked by religious fanatic Muslims near a mosque in Shaktipur, Beldanga (Murshidabad District). Stones were pelted from roof tops. (Why did the Police not check why stones were stored on roof tops before the procession ? – Editor) It is reported that a country-made bomb was detonated at this time. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Hindus are in a minority in Shaktipur. Hindu processions were also attacked at Manikyahar in the District and Egra in Medinipur. Eighteen people were injured in the violence including 2 minors, 1 woman and some Police personnel. In the wake of tensions in the areas, the administration deployed a large number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
Rioters set fire to Hindu houses and looted them in the Manikyahar area of Murshidabad District. The injured were admitted to hospitals for treatment at Egra.
BJP condemns Trinamool Congress
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that Hindus were openly attacked, and Mamata Banerjee’s Police remained mute spectators. BJP’s State General Secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay requested the Election Commission to take strict action against the Police officers there. BJP’s State President Sukanta Majumder demanded a NIA (National Investigation Agency) enquiry into the incidents of violence.
Amit Malviya, Chief of BJP’s IT cell, shared some videos of the violence on X. He wrote that Mamata Banerjee has once again failed to protect Ram Navami processions. Her vituperative and communal speeches are the reason for these incidents of violence.
BJP workers protest against Congress’ State President
BJP workers raised slogans against Congress State President Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary, who came to see the injured at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, asking him to go back. There was an argument between BJP and Congress workers at that time.
Incidents of violence last year too
Last year too there were incidents of violence in Bengal on Ram Navami. Ram Navami processions were attacked in Dalkhola in North Dinajpur, Shibpur in Howrah and Rishra and Serampore in Hooghly. Many people were injured in this. NIA is still investigating these attacks.
Mamata alleges BJP behind the violence in Murshidabad
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the BJP for the Ram Navami violence in Murshidabad. She said, “Everything was predetermined. The DIG of Murshidabad was removed a day before Ram Navami, so that they (BJP) could incite violence in the State. A BJP MLA had created a ruckus at the same place a day before. Why did you come with swords in the Ram Navami procession ? I want to ask the ‘BJP Commission’ (Election Commission) why the DIG was removed before Ram Navami ? Was this done to help BJP ?”
Editorial Perspectives
- Last year too similar incidents took place in Bengal during Ram Navami. This shows that the TMC Government ignores the protection of Hindus.
- Since TMC is a pro-Muslim and anti-Hindu party, such incidents will continue to take place. Owing to this, the Union Government must impose President’s rule to maintain law and order in the State.