WEST BENGAL TURNS INTO FORTRESS ON RAM NAVAMI, POLICE PUT ON HIGH ALERT TO AVERT COMMUNAL VIOLENCE

Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal bring back harsh memories of violence that the state has witnessed in the past couple of years. In an attempt to avert the possibility of communal tension, police stations across the state have been put on high alert ahead of Ram Navami festivities.

The Hindu Jagran Manch, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has announced that it will organise over 5,000 processions across the state at both ward and panchayat-level.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raked up the Ram Navami issue, with the former saying that Trinamool Congress had “tried its best to stop Ram Navami celebrations” in Bengal. Banerjee, on the other hand, blamed BJP for transferring high-ranking officials adding that the saffron party would be responsible if riots broke out in the state.

Hindu Jagran Manch processions

The Hindu Jagran Manch will hold processions in Barasat, Siliguri and the Ram Mandir in Kolkata's Burrabazar.

"Some of our processions are likely to see participation by lakhs of people. It’s a big day for us. As far as maintaining law and order is concerned, police should take care of it. I would just like to appeal to people to ensure that people of all faiths are allowed to celebrate their festivals equally and the others shouldn’t create any hindrance," a member of the Manch told Indian Express. 

Earlier this week, the Calcutta High Court granted permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Anjani Putra Sena to hold Ram Navami processions in Howrah, the area that saw massive communal violence last year.

Other Hindu groups like Anjani Putra Sena and Bajrang Dal will also carry out parades in the state.

Police on high alert

District administrations in Hooghly, Howrah, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, Asansol and Barrackpore, which are hotbeds for communal tensions, are on high alert ahead of Ram Navami celebrations.

Talking to the Indian Express, a police officer said, "No public display of weapons during processions on the festive occasion will be allowed."

"Some traditional groups and akharas have been given permission. Even their processions will be videographer,” the official added.

Modi vs Mamata

PM Modi and Mamata took potshots at each other for inciting violence in the state.

Addressing a public rally in West Bengal's Balurghat, PM Modi said, "I know TMC, as always, tried its best to stop the Ram Navami celebrations here, and hatched several conspiracies. But only truth wins. Therefore, permission has been granted by the court and tomorrow the Ram Navami processions will be taken out with full reverence and devotion."

In an apparent response to Modi's remark, Mamata said, "The DIG of Murshidabad was changed... If there are riots there now, the Election Commission will have to take the responsibility."

She added, "We know who can handle the riots... But the Election Commission is selectively appointing officers. Changes are being made so that BJP gets a chance... If there is even one riot, it will be the responsibility of the Election Commission... Because the law and order of the state is currently being looked after by the Election Commission."

History of violence during Ram Navami

West Bengal is not new to communal tensions during Ram Navami. The state has seen as much participation during the festival as it has seen violence.

In 2023, violence was reported at Rishra in Hooghly district and Howrah. The police had booked 162 people for inciting violence in Tajamul Chawk, Uttar Dalkhola.

In West Bardhaman's Raniganj, at least one person was killed and several police officers were injured in the wake of communal clashes.

2024-04-17T04:50:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd