West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee issued a plea for maintaining peace across the state amid rising tensions in Murshidabad district and blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for provocation.
In a letter appealing peace, Banerjee wrote, " BJP and its allies have suddenly become very aggressive in West Bengal. These allies include RSS...These forces are using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened on provocation. They are using the backdrop to play divisive politics...My appeal is: please remain calm. We condemn communal riots and must curb them. The criminals behind the riots are being strongly dealt with. But, simultaneously, we must avoid mutual mistrust and distrust. The majority and the minority communities must work together and take care of each other."
She further added, "They want to incite riots, and riots can affect everyone. We love all. We want to stay together. We condemn riots. We are against riots. They want to divide us for some narrow electoral politics. For maintaining law and order and for saving human lives and dignity, we have taken strong actions. Two police officers-in-charge have been removed. Police is investigating. Further actions are being taken."
The unrest began on April 11 in Murshidabad district, which has a significant Muslim population, during demonstrations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The incident claimed two lives, left numerous people injured and caused substantial damage to property.
The unrest extended to various districts including Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, resulting in incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.
The situation has caused displacement of numerous families, with some seeking shelter in Jharkhand's Pakur district, whilst others have found refuge in relief centres established in Malda.
In a letter appealing peace, Banerjee wrote, " BJP and its allies have suddenly become very aggressive in West Bengal. These allies include RSS...These forces are using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened on provocation. They are using the backdrop to play divisive politics...My appeal is: please remain calm. We condemn communal riots and must curb them. The criminals behind the riots are being strongly dealt with. But, simultaneously, we must avoid mutual mistrust and distrust. The majority and the minority communities must work together and take care of each other."
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appeals for peace in the state.
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2025
She says, "BJP and its allies have suddenly become very aggressive in West Bengal. These allies include RSS...These forces are using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened on provocation. They are… pic.twitter.com/ZCz77V1V11
She further added, "They want to incite riots, and riots can affect everyone. We love all. We want to stay together. We condemn riots. We are against riots. They want to divide us for some narrow electoral politics. For maintaining law and order and for saving human lives and dignity, we have taken strong actions. Two police officers-in-charge have been removed. Police is investigating. Further actions are being taken."
The unrest began on April 11 in Murshidabad district, which has a significant Muslim population, during demonstrations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The incident claimed two lives, left numerous people injured and caused substantial damage to property.
The unrest extended to various districts including Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, resulting in incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.
The situation has caused displacement of numerous families, with some seeking shelter in Jharkhand's Pakur district, whilst others have found refuge in relief centres established in Malda.
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