Troops called in W. Bengal after court terms situation ‘grave and volatile’
Scenes of destruction visible in Bengal's violence-hit Muslim areas
Calcutta: Indian armed forces personnel have rushed to West Bengal’ Murshidabad and other districts, which have been hit by violence linked to ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
According to Kashmir Media Service, apart from nearly 300 BSF personnel locally available in violence-hit Murshidabad, 5 more companies have been deployed at the West Bengal government’s request. The order for deployment was given by the Calcutta High Court.
After the court’s order, paramilitary forces have been deployed in highly sensitive areas like Suti and Shamsherganj. Personnel from the central forces carried out patrolling in affected areas throughout the night and also spoke with the families of victims. The court said this direction will not be limited to Murshidabad district only and ‘as and when required it should be extended to other districts faced with similar situation’ and central forces may be deployed immediately to arrest the situation and bring normalcy.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie shows vandalism in few districts of the State of West Bengal,” a division bench presided by Justice Soumen Sen said.
The court noted that apart from Murshidabad, incidents have been reported from Amtala in South 24 Parganas district, in North 24 Parganas district and at Champdani in Hooghly. “Deployment of central armed forces earlier could have deescalated the situation as it appears adequate measures have not been taken in time,” the court said.
Holding that the situation is grave and volatile, the court said action has to be taken to arrest the atrocities committed on innocent citizens on a war-footing.
“It is undeniable that there have been frequent instances of violence between communities at different parts of West Bengal and the disquieting situation prevailing till today cannot be ignored,” the bench observed. The court also instructed the state government to submit detailed reports on the situation.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.
