Continued Communal Strife in Mothabari, 57 Individuals Detained
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Synopsis
Tensions remain high in Mothabari, West Bengal, following last week's communal violence. The state police report 57 arrests while opposition leaders question the claims of stability. Security has been heightened as political visits are planned amid fears of further unrest, particularly ahead of Ram Navami celebrations.
Key Takeaways
- Tension persists in Mothabari, West Bengal.
- 57 arrests made related to communal violence.
- Opposition leaders question police claims of control.
- Security measures have been heightened in the area.
- BJP seeks NIA investigation into the incidents.
Kolkata, March 30 (NationPress) Tension persists in Mothabari located in West Bengal's Malda district, where there were communal attacks last week. The state police have reported that 57 arrests have been made regarding these incidents thus far.
Despite the state police's assurances to the Calcutta High Court that the situation in Mothabari is largely under control, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, disputes these claims.
He argued that if the situation was indeed stable, there would be no need for restrictions preventing opposition party leaders and journalists from accessing the conflict zones, with barricades placed far from the areas experiencing tension.
Last week, Adhikari sent a letter to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, urging him to instruct the state government to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Mothabari until the situation is normalized.
In the midst of ongoing unrest, the BJP’s state president in West Bengal and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, is expected to visit Mothabari today to meet with the affected Hindu families.
A significant police presence has already been established around the hotspots of tension, with barricades likely erected to hinder Majumdar and his associates from entering the troubled area.
District police officials stated that security measures are in place to prevent any new outbreaks of conflict in these regions.
Meanwhile, the BJP leadership in West Bengal is preparing to approach the Calcutta High Court this week, requesting a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into the situation.
A division bench of the Calcutta High Court has already requested reports from the Malda district magistrate and the district police superintendent regarding how the tension escalated in Mothabari. The deadline for these reports is set for April 3.
On Saturday evening, two officers of the West Bengal Police warned of potential disturbances aimed at disrupting peace during the upcoming auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
Additional Director General (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar stated that the police have received specific intelligence about certain vested interests attempting to incite violence in the near future.
"There are plans to provoke individuals through various posters or online posts. The police are on high alert. There may be efforts to stir up tensions among different communities, particularly concerning the Ram Navami festivities. We urge people not to be provoked. There is no need for concern, but we also ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local police in their areas," said Sarkar.
