The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, spoke to the Governor of West Bengal over the phone concerning the riots during the Ramnavami procession in Howrah. A group attacked the processionists and escalated the violence in Kasipara. Law enforcement took action by arresting 36 rioters, but clashes broke out again in Shippur. The BJP blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress party for the riots and claimed that Hindus are under threat in West Bengal. The Union Minister, Anurag Tagore, condemned the violence, and the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, assured strict action against the culprits. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose discussed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah over the phone.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Governor of the state over phone amid riots in the Ramnavami procession in Howrah, West Bengal.
On the occasion of Ramnavami, a procession was held in Howrah city yesterday evening. Then, another group pelted stones and attacked the processionists at Kasipara. They also ransacked the shops there. The police were then gathered there. Police vehicles were also damaged during the incident.
Subsequently, operations to arrest the rioters were intensified and 36 people were arrested. While peace has returned there, clashes broke out again in Shippur area today. BJP has blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress party for the riots. Speaking to the media, BJP MP Lockett Chatterjee said, “Hindus are being attacked every Ramnavami and Durga Pujai.” Hindus are under threat in West Bengal. This cannot be accepted. When the riots broke out in Howrah yesterday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was simply sitting and participating in the protest. Mamata Banerjee should resign immediately.
Condemning the violence in West Bengal, Union Minister Anurag Tagore said, “There has been stone pelting on the participants of the Ramnavami procession. In this, many journalists were also injured. Even when journalists are injured, the state government remains a mere spectator. What could be more shameful than this? This is strongly condemnable,” he said.
Commenting on the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that strict action will be taken against the culprits. Besides, “BJP creates tension while holding processions. The party brings in thugs from outside to cause religious riots. Why should a community be attacked the wrong way? If they feel attacked they should take legal action. They should realize that one day they will be ignored by the people,” he said.
Regarding this riot, West Bengal Governor C.V. Talking to Ananda Bose over phone, Home Minister Amit Shah inquired about the riots and the steps taken after it.