West Bengal: The ongoing unrest in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has drawn heavy response from law enforcement, with violent protests breaking out last week following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. According to Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Border Security Force (BSF) for the South Bengal frontier, the situation took a dangerous turn as protestors began attacking Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel with stones and burning bottles.
Pandey noted that despite the violent confrontations, CAPF units are working in close coordination with the local police to manage the crisis. "We are fully supporting the police to restore normalcy, and our teams are actively involved on the ground," he stated.
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The violence in Murshidabad began after the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, with reports indicating targeted attacks against Hindus. Tensions have been rising in the district, and over 200 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest. The BJP has claimed that more than 400 Hindus have fled the region in fear of further violence.
Detailing the security measures, Pandey explained that the BSF was deployed in stages. Initially, two BSF companies were sent to Murshidabad on Friday as the situation deteriorated. As violence escalated, nine companies of BSF were dispatched on Saturday to key areas such as Shamsher Gunj and Suti. This escalation came after repeated attacks from rioters, who targeted BSF personnel with stones, sticks, and firebombs.
"On Saturday, our teams encountered violent rioters in areas like Ghoshpara and Jafrabad. Our vehicles were damaged, and our personnel were attacked from all sides. We had no choice but to use force to protect ourselves," said DIG Pandey.
In addition to BSF, other central forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been mobilised to help contain the situation. "Our role is to support and cooperate with the police, and we are coordinating well with other security forces. I am aware that four companies of RAF and four companies of CRPF are either deployed or in the process of being deployed," Pandey added.
The situation remains tense, but DIG Pandey assured that the joint efforts of all security agencies are focused on restoring peace and ensuring the safety of all communities in the region. Despite the challenges, authorities remain hopeful that calm will soon be restored through coordinated action.
The Murshidabad violence has brought attention to the complex security situation in the region, which has seen sporadic unrest following the enactment of the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Published: 14 Apr 2025, 05:41 pm IST
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