Ram Navami: Ahead of Hindu Jagran Manch's 5,000 religious processions, Bengal police are on heightened alert
PTC News Desk: Ahead of Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal, the police are on high alert to prevent any potential communal tension. The Hindu Jagran Manch, affiliated with the RSS, plans to hold around 5,000 religious processions across the state, including in Barasat, Siliguri, and Kolkata's Burrabazar.
District administrations in several areas, such as Hooghly, Howrah, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Asansol, and Barrackpore, are also vigilant due to past instances of communal tensions during Ram Navami. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those violating law and order, with a ban on the public display of weapons during processions.
Ram Navami celebrations have increasingly become politicized in recent years, often leading to political confrontations and communal violence. Last year, clashes erupted in Howrah and spread to North Dinajpur and Hooghly, resulting in injuries to ten people.
In light of the upcoming celebrations, the Calcutta High Court granted permission for Ram Navami processions in Howrah on April 17, subject to certain conditions. The state government had initially proposed an alternative route, seeking to prevent the procession.
The Hindu Jagran Manch anticipates significant participation in their Ram Navami processions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order. They urge people to respect all faiths and ensure that everyone can celebrate their festivals peacefully.
Ram Navami Controversy: PM Modi and Mamata Banerjee exchange accusations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of attempting to obstruct Ram Navami festivities in West Bengal, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged BJP's intentions to instigate riots before the elections.
#WATCH | West Bengal: While addressing a public meeting in Balurghat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "This is the first Ram Navami when Ram Lalla has been enthroned in the grand temple in Ayodhya. I know TMC, as always, tried its best to stop the Ram Navami celebrations here,… pic.twitter.com/ePlnF8GiJ3 — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2024
Speaking at election rallies in Raiganj and Balurghat, Modi praised the high court's decision to permit VHP processions in Howrah, labeling it a "victory for truth."
"Despite attempts by the TMC to impede Ram Navami celebrations, the court has granted permission. Tomorrow, processions will proceed with full faith and devotion," Modi declared in Balurghat. In contrast, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of plotting riots just days before the first phase of elections.
"BJP seeks to provoke riots on April 17 to gain electoral advantage in the April 19 polls. We've received information about their plan to fuel communal tensions," she asserted at a rally in Jalpaiguri. Banerjee further alleged that following the clashes, the BJP would exploit the National Investigation Agency to arrest TMC leaders on fabricated charges.
"I urge our supporters and the peace-loving people of West Bengal not to fall into their trap and to remain vigilant against BJP's attempts to incite violence for political gain," she cautioned.
- With inputs from agencies
