Synopsis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blames the Union government and BSF for the recent violence in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, asserting the need to resist external influences trying to incite unrest.Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee holds the Union government responsible for Murshidabad unrest.
- Accusations against BSF for failing to prevent illegal infiltrators.
- Claims of pre-planned violence during protests against the Waqf Act.
- Allegations that BJP is trying to incite tensions in West Bengal.
- Meeting with community leaders focused on opposing the Waqf Act.
Kolkata, April 16 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Union government on Wednesday for the unrest and violence that erupted in the minority-heavy Murshidabad district amid protests concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
She further criticized the Border Security Force (BSF) for their alleged inability to deter miscreants from neighboring Bangladesh who reportedly infiltrated into Indian territory, inciting violence in Murshidabad.
“I came across a video associated with the National Investigative Agency (NIA), which indicated that a report from the Union Home Ministry suggested the involvement of Bangladeshi miscreants in the disturbances in Murshidabad. If this is accurate, who will assume responsibility? Who is accountable for stopping illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators from crossing into India? Whose directives does the BSF adhere to? The BSF operates under the orders of the Union Home Ministry. So what is our fault? Why did the BSF permit the illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators to come in?” the Chief Minister questioned during a meeting with imams, muezzins, and religious leaders from the Muslim community in the state. This meeting was reportedly organized to devise a strategy on how to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
She also stated that the violence in Murshidabad was orchestrated. “There was sufficient provocation for the violence to occur. If the Trinamool Congress had been behind the conspiracy, the residences of the party MP and the legislator would not have been targeted. I am not here to make any inciting remarks. My purpose is to promote peace,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Additionally, she accused the BJP of attempting to recruit outsiders in West Bengal to incite unrest.
“They aimed to instigate riots during the Ram Navami celebrations, but they did not succeed. I express my gratitude to the people of West Bengal for that. Now, they are attempting to stir up conflict regarding the Waqf Act. We must resist this,” the Chief Minister emphasized.
She clarified that the meeting on Wednesday was initiated by the Imams. “I did not organize the meeting. The Imams extended the invitation to me, and I attended,” she mentioned.
