BJP MP seeks ‘intervention’ from West Bengal Governor: ‘State’s Hindus face targeted violence, festivals increasingly under siege’

“There person been predominant reports of disruptions, stone-pelting, and carnal unit against devotees during these celebrations, which are not conscionable festivals but profoundly cherished parts of the Bengali Hindu identity,” the missive read. Sent connected Tuesday, a transcript of it is with The Indian Express.

“Your esteemed bureau has ever been seen arsenic a guardian of bid and harmony, and nether these trying circumstances, we crook to you for urgent intervention… We petition you to urgently: Examine the caller incidents of unit and guarantee that justness is meted retired without immoderate governmental bias. Review the authorities government’s actions and policies that look to embolden extremist elements. Ensure the just and lawful attraction of Hindu festivals and spiritual observances… Monitor the administration’s responses to anti-Hindu societal media posts and analyse immoderate links to extremist elements,” Mahato further wrote.

“As the Governor, you person definite discretionary powers nether Article 163 of the Indian Constitution, which could beryllium employed to code these matters,” helium added.

‘This twelvemonth alone, respective attacks person been reported during Durga Puja and Kali Puja immersions crossed the state. In a caller incidental successful Kolkata’s Rajabazar area, participants successful a Kali Puja immersion procession were reportedly assaulted, with the constabulary aboriginal dismissing the substance arsenic a “parking dispute,” which lone adds to the concerns of neglect and bias by the authorities,” the missive mentions.

It was connected the nighttime of November 1 when, according to police, a parking quality snowballed into a large clash betwixt 2 groups successful Narkeldanga-Rajabazar successful North Kolkata, prompting the constabulary and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to edifice to lathi complaint and usage of teardrop gas. Kali Puja immersion processions had been on, but constabulary had denied immoderate disruptions.

“Social media is rife with posts and messages propagating anti-Hindu sentiments, with worrying calls to replicate the unit witnessed successful Bangladesh against Hindus. Posts connected WhatsApp and different platforms boast astir “achievements” successful Bangladesh, and chillingly, immoderate users present sermon “achieving akin outcomes successful (West) Bengal.” The alarming soundlessness of the Bengal medication connected these issues reflects either willful ignorance oregon intentional enactment of specified divisive narratives,” the missive read.