In a recent letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP’s Purulia MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has raised concerns about the deteriorating situation in select bordering districts of West Bengal, urging the Centre to declare them as “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The districts in question—Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas—have reportedly been witnessing a series of violent incidents targeting the Hindu community.
According to Mr. Mahato, the State administration has been ineffective in addressing these issues, which he attributes to the ruling Trinamool Congress’ alleged policy of appeasement. The MP highlighted specific instances of violence, including looting and destruction of Hindu homes and shops in Murshidabad, as well as targeted attacks on civilians like Hargobindo Das and his son.
Allegations of Systematic Violence
The situation in these districts has been further exacerbated by recent clashes over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to widespread unrest and a breakdown of law and order. Mahato pointed out that mobs have been targeting Hindu households, public infrastructure, and even law enforcement personnel. The Calcutta High Court had to step in to ensure the deployment of central armed police forces, indicating a failure on the part of the State government to maintain peace and security.
Drawing a disturbing parallel with the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990, the BJP MP warned of a looming crisis if immediate action is not taken to protect the vulnerable Hindu population in Bengal. He emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of AFSPA in these bordering districts to curb violence, restore order, and reassure the affected communities.
Calls for Immediate Intervention
In a similar vein, Ranaghat BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar also reached out to Minister Shah, highlighting the alarming law and order situation in Murshidabad district. He stressed the importance of swift intervention by the central government, calling for the establishment of a high-level investigative and monitoring team to address the ongoing crisis. Sarkar emphasized the critical role of central forces in maintaining peace and advocated for stringent legal measures against those responsible for the violence.
Both MPs underscored the significance of upholding constitutional rights, ensuring justice, and preserving the rule of law in the face of escalating tensions in West Bengal. As the situation continues to unfold, their pleas for decisive action resonate with the broader concerns surrounding communal harmony and security in the region.
As the debate intensifies over the need for AFSPA and central intervention in the troubled districts, the fate of vulnerable communities hangs in the balance. The urgency of the situation demands a coordinated response from all stakeholders to prevent further escalation and safeguard the rights and well-being of all citizens. Only time will tell how the authorities choose to address these pressing challenges and restore peace to the affected regions.
