[Marxistindia] On communal riots in West Bengal

[news from the cpi(m)]

March 29, 2018

 

Press Statement

 

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) currently in
session in New Delhi has expressed deep shock and anguish over the
continuing communal violence in parts of West Bengal. It has issued the
following statement to the press:

 

Condemning Communal Riots in Parts of West Bengal

 

The communal disturbances in parts of West Bengal started with the violent
manner in which Ram Navami was sought to be celebrated by the RSS-led
organizations and BJP. The communal incidents started with Arsha in Purulia,
Kakkinada in North 24 Parganas and then spreading to Raniganj and Asansol in
West Burdwan district.  In each of these, the armed Ram Navami procession
triggered the sequence of tensions with indiscriminate violence, looting,
arson leading to deaths of several people. Till now, officially, four deaths
have occurred. In Raniganj, a senior police official's hand has been blown
away in the armed violence. It is clear that West Bengal which had a track
record of  communal harmony and riot-free social environment stands
blemished.  

 

Last year itself, for the first time, arms like swords, trishuls and
choppers were displayed in the Ram Navami celebration with even under-aged
children brandishing these arms. This year, in a conciliatory gesture, the
state government allowed the processions and the display of arms.  Not only
that, in keeping with the spirit of competitive communalism, the cooperation
of the TMC and administration was even more blatant with the ruling party
itself  giving  a call for joining the celebration with the TMC and BJP-RSS
leaders jointly participating in the programmes in several places.  This is
part of the vicious attempts at communal polarization spearheaded by the
Hindutva forces elsewhere in the country.  The policies of appeasement of
communal forces by the TMC and the  ineptitude of the State administration
has  led to this lethal strike by these forces.  

 

The CPI(M) demands urgent action by the state government to take appropriate
measures to restore normalcy and peace.  The CPI(M) also appeals to all
peace-loving sections of the people to firmly oppose this murderous
campaign.  The CPI(M) also appeals to other Left and democratic forces to
come out on the streets and articulate the concern for peace and harmony.
When forces running the Central and the State Government have actively
contributed to this communal conflagration, it is the people themselves, who
cherish peace, unity and brotherhood, must come forward to collectively meet
this challenge.  

 

 

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