As political tensions continue to simmer in West Bengal over the passing of the contentious Waqf Bill followed by massive violence during anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act protests in various places of the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said everybody has the right to demonstrate peacefully, but none should take the law into their hands.
The chief minister's comments on the current enraged situation came during an inauguration event of a skywalk close to the famed Kali temple at Kalighat in south Kolkata.
What All Did The CM Say?
Urging people not to fall prey to any provocation, Banerjee said, “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."
“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.
Violence In Bhangar And Murshidabad
In fresh violence over the same issue, supporters of the opposition Indian Secular Front (ISF) on Monday clashed with 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.
The fresh bout of violence 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.
The Calcutta High Court had ordered the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad and other areas of the state where such protests were taking place so that law and order could be maintained.
