West Bengal waqf protest: Sporadic violence breaks out in Murshidabad after CPI(M) leaders' visit Hargobind Das's family

Tension continues to grip Jangipur in Murshidabad following violent clashes and alleged attacks on Hindus during demonstrations against the Waqf Amendment Act. Despite the deployment of heavy police and central paramilitary forces, sporadic incidents of violence persisted.

 

 

On Monday, Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary Mohammad Salim, along with Minakshi Mukherjee and other party leaders from Murshidabad, visited the homes of Hargobind Das and Chandan Das. The father and son were allegedly killed last week in Jafrabad, under the Samserganj CD Block, during the waqf protests. 

 

 

After their visit, fresh unrest reportedly broke out. Stones and bricks were suddenly hurled at the central forces patrolling the area. In response, the forces attempted to chase down the attackers but were soon surrounded and narrowly escaped the ambush. The arrival of additional police and central units helped bring the situation under control. However, the incident reignited fear among residents in Jafrabad.

 

 

Earlier in the day, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar had stated from Samserganj that the situation was stable. ADG of the BSF’s Eastern Command, Ravi Gandhi, who had met with DGP Kumar and other senior officers, echoed that normalcy was gradually being restored.

 

Speaking to the media about last week’s attack on the Das family, Salim alleged serious lapses by the administration. “This violence is a result of police negligence. The entire village has suffered. The attackers had four to five hours, yet no police came despite the police station being just ten minutes away," he said.

 

 

He added, “The police minister [Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee] must be held accountable. Shops were ransacked and set ablaze, but even then the fire brigade didn’t arrive. What’s the point of having these departments if they fail in such moments? A judicial inquiry is essential.”

 

 

Meanwhile, the BJP announced plans to commemorate the father and son by observing Martyrs’ Day and organizing protest events in their names.

 

 

In an effort to prevent further unrest, the local administration has set up peace committees at the booth level, including members from different communities and political parties. These committees are responsible for promptly informing the police about any disturbances or circulating rumours.

 

 

Since Monday, over a hundred peace meetings have taken place. The impact of these initiatives was evident on Tuesday with Bengalis celebrating their traditional New Year. According to local media reports, several shops reopened in Samserganj’s Dhuliyan market after days of closure. Additionally, bidi workers in the area have started resuming work in their neighbourhoods.

 

 

The violence in Samserganj forced over a hundred families to flee to neighbouring Malda district, where relief camps have been set up. On Monday, police officials said some families had begun returning, and arrangements were being made to ensure the safe return of others.

India