Synopsis
On April 14, BSF DIG Nilotpal Kumar Pandey reported violent protests in Murshidabad, West Bengal, where CAPF personnel faced attacks with stones and burning bottles due to unrest over the Waqf Amendment Act. Over 200 arrests and significant Hindu displacement were noted.Key Takeaways
- Protestors attacked CAPF personnel with stones and burning bottles.
- Violent unrest erupted over the Waqf Amendment Act.
- More than 200 individuals have been arrested.
- Over 400 Hindus reportedly fled the region due to violence.
- BSF and other central forces are deployed to restore peace.
Murshidabad, April 14 (NationPress) Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, Deputy Inspector General and PRO of the Border Security Force (BSF) for the South Bengal frontier, stated on Monday that protestors assaulted the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel with stones and burning bottles following violent unrest in West Bengal's Murshidabad. This turmoil erupted last week due to the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
He emphasized that the CAPF personnel are collaborating closely with the police to maintain order in Murshidabad.
Various areas within the Murshidabad district experienced violent disturbances after the amended Waqf law was enacted, with indications of targeted violence against Hindus specifically.
More than 200 individuals have been detained in relation to these occurrences. Furthermore, the BJP has reported that over 400 Hindus have fled the area amidst the chaos.
Detailing the developments, DIG Pandey informed IANS that on Friday, two BSF companies were dispatched following initial reports of escalating tensions.
"On Friday, as the situation deteriorated, we promptly deployed the BSF at the request of the administration. We mobilized our forces from the nearest locations. On that day, we sent approximately two companies to the affected areas experiencing unrest," he explained.
He further noted that as violence intensified, the forces had to enhance their presence by deploying nine companies in the troubled zones.
"On Saturday, the situation escalated even further, prompting us to deploy additional troops, with about three to four companies sent to the area. Today, to regain control and restore peace swiftly, we have nine companies stationed in the vicinity of Police Station Shamsher Gunj and Suti," he stated.
The BSF DIG also mentioned that security personnel experienced attacks from aggressive protesters.
"On Saturday, when we approached areas like Ghoshpara, Jafrabad, and others, we encountered rioters engaged in violence. Our teams faced assaults from all directions, our vehicles sustained damage, and sticks, stones, and burning bottles were hurled at us. Consequently, we had to utilize force to ensure our safety," Pandey recounted.
He also indicated that alongside the BSF, other central forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), are actively present to manage the situation.
"We are here solely to support and assist the police, and our role is collaborative, working in effective coordination. To my knowledge, four companies of RAF and four companies of CRPF have been deployed or are in the process of being deployed there," he added.
DIG Pandey confirmed that while the situation remains tense, collaborative efforts are underway to restore peace and ensure the safety of all communities.
