West Bengal: ‘Hindu was not behind the violence on Ram Navami in Howrah, but…’, said CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP for the violence on Ram Navami in Howrah, West Bengal. He claimed on Friday (March 31) that the BJP and other right-wing organizations were responsible for the violence in Howrah on the day of Ram Navami.

The CM appealed to the people there to maintain peace in the area. On the second day of Ram Navami also stone pelting took place in Shivpur of Howrah. However, the situation there is now under control.

‘Neither Hindus nor Muslims were behind the violence’

In a conversation with ABP’s Bangla news channel Ananda, CM Banerjee said, “Howrah’s incident is very unfortunate. Neither Hindus nor Muslims were behind the violence in Howrah. BJP along with Bajrang Dal and other such organizations were involved in this violence with weapons.

He said that the state government would help all those whose properties were damaged during the clashes. The Chief Minister said, “31 people have been arrested in connection with Thursday’s violence in Howrah.”

Claiming laxity in a section of the administration, he said strict action would be taken against those involved in the clash. According to the police, a clash broke out between two groups in Howrah on the occasion of Ram Navami.

During this, many vehicles were set on fire and shops were vandalized in the area. The situation in and around Kazipada area of the district remained peaceful and under control on Friday. A large number of security forces have been deployed in the area.

Concluding her 30-hour-long dharna, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a sit-in here against the central government’s alleged discrimination towards West Bengal in the city, said on Thursday (March 30) that action will be taken against the guilty.

He said, “I have repeatedly said that no Ram Navami procession will be stopped. I had given clear instructions to the police in this regard. While one community is celebrating Annapurna Puja, the other is fasting during Ramzan.

Banerjee said, “Why did they change course (at the last moment) and adopt an unauthorized way to target and attack a community. If they believe that they will attack others and get relief through legal intervention, they should know that the public will one day reject them.”

The situation is peaceful now

The situation in West Bengal’s Howrah city is peaceful on Friday amid heavy police deployment following clashes between two groups during a Ram Navami procession around Kazipada area. A senior police officer gave this information.

A senior official of Howrah city police station said that searches and raids were conducted in various areas around Kazipada throughout the night. So far 35 people have been arrested in connection with the clash.

He told that the people detained through video footage would be identified and legal action would be taken against the culprits. Heavy force has been deployed to restore peace in the area.

On the evening of Thursday 30 March, there was violence between two groups during the procession of Ram Navami. The incident happened while the procession was passing through Kazipada area.

During this, many shops and auto-rickshaws were vandalized. At the same time, many cars including some police vehicles were set on fire. Four fire engines were used to extinguish the fire. Police used force to disperse the crowd.

However, senior BJP leader Shubhendu Adhikari called the allegations baseless. Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Adhikari said, “The chief minister and the state administration are responsible for the violence.”