Kolkata: On the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm and restraint making it clear that her government will not implement the new law amid violent protests, that claimed three lives, in parts of Murshidabad district over the new Waqf Act, the Kolkata High Court directed the deployment of Central Forces to bring the situation under control.
“We have made our position clear on this matter – we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?” Banerjee posted on her X handle.
She appealed sincerely to people from all religious communities to remain calm and restrained and uphold communal harmony.
”Do not engage in any unrighteous behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious. Do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming the society,” she posted.
Banerjee reminded the people of the state that it is a Central law and the state has not framed the same. “Remember, we did not make the law that many are agitating against. The law was made by the Central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the Central government,” she added.
Banerjee accused some political parties of misusing religion to gain political advantage and urged the people not to fall for their provocation.
“Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasion,” she added.
The Chief Minister who is also in charge of the state Home department warned of strong legal action against people inciting riots. “We do not condone any violent activity,” she asserted.
“I believe religion means humanity, goodwill, civilised behaviour and harmony. May everyone maintain peace and harmony - this is my appeal,” Banerjee posted.
Her statement follows tensions in Murshidabad with demonstrators clashing with police.
At least 15 officers were injured and several public properties, including police outposts, railway offices, shops and government vehicles, were torched or damaged.T
he Chief Minister, on Wednesday had urged the Muslim community in the state not to get provoked over the new Waqf law and committed to safeguarding them and their properties.
“I want to address the minority community — I understand the pain caused by the issue of Waqf properties. But have faith. Nothing will happen in Bengal that promotes division or a divide-and-rule agenda. The message must be clear: stay united and live in harmony. Let’s uphold the spirit of coexistence. We must stand together. Didi is here, and Didi will ensure your safety and safeguard your property,” Banerjee had said.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court hearing a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the Bengal Assembly directed the deployment of Central Forces to bring situations under control.
A special division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury stated on Saturday that restoring peace and harmony in Murshidabad was of paramount importance and that Central Forces could be deployed in other areas if the law and order situation demanded it.
The court further instructed both the state government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation.
Earlier in the day, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar attributed the violent clashes to rumour mongering amidst destruction of multiple government properties, shops and residences, including torching of vehicles.
The state police have already arrested 118 persons in connection with violence.
The special bench was constituted by the Chief Justice to urgently hear a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari seeking the deployment of Central Forces in the district alleging failure on the part of state police.
The court’s directive mandates that both the police and Central Forces work collaboratively to ensure the maintenance of peace in the district. The court emphasised that strict action must be taken against the actual perpetrators of violence and ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible.
During the proceedings, the state government, when asked to inform of the measures taken for stopping the violence argued that the deployment of Central Forces was unnecessary, noting that DGP Rajeev Kumar had already been dispatched to Murshidabad to manage the situation.
The state also informed about the deployment of BSF personnel in Murshidabad already, as the area is within 50 km of the international border.
Seven companies of BSF have been deployed in strife-hit Suti, Dhulian and Samserganj areas of Murshidabad, the state lawyer told the court.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.
According to sources, one minor Izzaz Momin, a resident of Cossim Nagar village succumbed to gunshot injuries at Murshidabad Medical College Hospital on Saturday. He was shot at Sajur more area.
The two others – father and son duo who were victims of violence have been identified as Hara Gobinda Das (74) and Chandan Das (44).
They had suffered grievous injuries at Zafarabad village under Samserganj police station area.In a parallel development, the Union Home secretary is learnt to have held a video conference with state officials to assess the situation and plan security measures.
During the meeting, the Bengal DGP provided an update on the situation, stating that although tensions remain high, the situation was now under control and being closely monitored. The DGP also mentioned that local BSF units have been deployed to assist the police in maintaining public order.
Later, the Union Home secretary is learnt to have declared that apart from the almost 300 BSF personnel already present in Murshidabad, five more BSF Companies have been deployed.
The Union Home secretary also advised the state administration to maintain heightened vigilance in other potentially sensitive districts to prevent any spillover of unrest.