Murshidabad Violence: Calm Returns as Authorities Maintain Vigil
Restoration of Normalcy in Murshidabad
Kolkata: Following the recent riots in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, life is gradually returning to normal as security forces remain on high alert to prevent further violence related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, according to officials.
A significant presence of BSF, CRPF, State Armed Police, and RAF personnel has been established in areas such as Jangipur, Dhuliyan, Suti, and Shamsherganj, where no new incidents have been reported in the last two days.
Local police have indicated that the situation is stabilizing, with shops reopening and families who were displaced beginning to return home.
Khalilur Rahman, the TMC MP from Jangipur, noted that many individuals who had fled their homes are now coming back, and life is resuming in the affected areas. He emphasized the importance of avoiding rumors to facilitate the restoration of normalcy.
Rahman also mentioned that the district administration is compiling a list of those impacted, who will receive compensation for property damage.
Protests erupted on Friday and Saturday in various parts of Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian, and Jangipur, due to discontent over the amended Waqf Act, leading to violent clashes that resulted in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries.
On Monday, a delegation from the BSF, led by Additional Director General (East) Ravi Gandhi, visited the most affected areas, including Suti, Samserganj, and Dhulian, which experienced significant unrest over the weekend.
"We have developed a joint strategy with senior police officials to enhance patrolling in these regions. Our collaboration with the state police aims to restore normalcy," he stated.
Authorities have reported that 210 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
In the meantime, traffic flow has returned to normal along the Basanti Highway in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas, which experienced new incidents of violence related to the Waqf Act on Monday.
Supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police in Bhangar, resulting in injuries, damage to public property, and the burning of several police vehicles.
The unrest began when police intervened to prevent ISF supporters from proceeding to Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata for an anti-Waqf Act rally led by party leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddique.