Bengal Waqf Violence: 'Mamata Calls Rioters Messengers Of Peace', Says Yogi Adityanath; Questions Her 'Silence'

Amid the spiraling political tension in West Bengal over the anti-Waqf Bill violence in Murshidabad and Bhangar, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and slammed her over allegedly calling rioters 'messengers of peace.'

“Bengal is burning. The chief minister of the state is silent. She calls rioters 'messengers of peace'. But those who understand only force won't listen to words,” Yogi was quoted by ANI as saying.

“In the name of secularism, they have given complete freedom to rioters to create unrest. The entire Murshidabad has been on fire for the last week, yet the government remains silent. Such anarchy must be brought under control,” he added.

Yogi Adityanath also criticised the Congress and the Samajwadi Party over their silence on the issue.

"I thank the judiciary there for deploying central forces to ensure the safety of the minority Hindus in the area. The Congress is silent on the riots in Murshidabad. The Samajwadi Party is also quiet," he said

What All Did The CM Say?

Taking cognisance of the outrage in Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged people not to fall prey to any provocation. “Everybody has the democratic right to stage a peaceful protest with permission. I will request people not to take the law into their own hands. To protect the law, we have custodians and do not need any demon", she said, as per PTI.

“Please do not indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion,” she said while adding, “Live in peace. The land of Bengal is the land of peace. Its soil is as pure as gold.”

"We live once and die once. So, why is there a riot? Every caste and religion has the right to protest, but do not take law into your hands...Some people are trying to mislead you, do not pay attention to them", news agency ANI quoted her as saying.

Anti-Waqf Violence In Bengal

The fresh bout of violence in South 24 Pargana's Bhangar erupted days after Murshidabad witnessed violent protests which killed three people while several others were injured. Over 150 people were later arrested in connection with the violence.

Several people fled the district and crossed the river to the adjoining district of Malda, seeking protection and shelter. Visuals from Murshidabad showed houses, shops and other property being burned down by large crowds.

Besides Murshidabad, a fresh violence broke out on Monday between the supporters of the opposition Indian Secular Front (ISF) and the police at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, leading to injuries to several people and torching of multiple police vehicles.

According to the officials, police have arrested two people so far while one police personnel has sustained injuries. As per media reports, anti-Waqf protesters clashed with the city police and set a van and other vehicles on fire.

Videos on social media showed how the roads were blocked by those from the minority community.

Videos also depicted police bikes being set on fire while a police bus was turned over with its front glass broken. The videos also showed many police officers present on the streets.