After West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee advised Hindus to avoid ‘Muslim areas’ during Ram Navami processions, such a procession came under attack in Howrah today. Stones were pelted on the procession from the terraces of the buildings in the Shibpur area of Howrah, the twin city of Kolkata. This led to a clash between two groups, leading to violence and arson.
Vehicles and shops were also torched during the violence. Videos from the place show several vehicles on fire on the road, while many other vehicles were lying overturned. The damaged vehicles include a police vehicle. The neighbourhood where the violence was reported is dominated by Muslims.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Ruckus during ‘Rama Navami’ procession in Howrah; vehicles torched. Police personnel on the spot. pic.twitter.com/RFQDkPxW89
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2023
Reportedly, when the Ram Navami procession reached the area, suddenly trouble began and people in the area started shouting and pelting stones at the devotees. Reportedly some people in the procession retaliated, leading to a clash between the two groups. Soon after the mob started burning shops and vehicles.
Several police personnel have been deployed in the area. A police team conducted a flag march after the ruckus broke out. Police fired tear gas shells to control the situation, and chased away the rioters.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Police personnel conduct flag march after ruckus during ‘Rama Navami’ procession in Howrah where several vehicles were torched. pic.twitter.com/W845mdQQnQ
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2023
Several processions were taken out on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami including that by the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. The leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari was also holding a procession near Ramrajatala, only 1.5 km away from where the chaos happened.
#BREAKING On #ThisIsExclusive | Clashes break out in West Bengal’s Howrah. Visuals of stone pelting surface.#WestBengal #Howrah #ClashesInWestBengal pic.twitter.com/0kMQw7ZJAZ
— Republic (@republic) March 30, 2023
Videos show stones pelted from rooftops by the attackers on the peaceful procession. There was a complete breakdown of law and order.
Pre Planned Islamists Attack & Stone Pelting On Ram Mandir Procession In Shibpur Howrah, West Bengal By Pieceful Community. Same Happened Last year @MeghUpdates @Arzookazmi30 @KumaarSaagar @AmitShahOffice pic.twitter.com/oEzD2E941T
— BHARAT NEWS (@BHARATNEWSS) March 30, 2023
The state administration hasn’t released any official statement on the incident yet. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and charged her for being ‘directly responsible’ for the violence.
In brazen disregard for Hindu sentiments, Mamata Banerjee held dharna on Ramanavami, then warned Hindus about avoiding Muslim areas because it was Ramzan, forgetting that Hindus too were fasting for Navratr. As Home Minister of WB she is directly responsible for Howrah violence. pic.twitter.com/0975DJ8Wyf
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 30, 2023
It is notable that earlier today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cited the occasion of Ram Navami to indicate that Hindus create violence in the so-called “Muslim areas” during Ram Navami processions and attack the community. She asked the Hindus to avoid going to “Muslim areas” because it is the month of Ramzan. “I want to request those who are taking out the Ram Navami procession, please do but do it peacefully. Kindly avoid Muslim areas as Ramzan is going on. Celebrate peacefully but don’t try to create violence. Don’t get provoked,” she said.
Notably, stones were pelted at a Ram Navami procession near a mosque in Vadodara’s Fatehpura area today. Some vehicles got damaged in the incident.
Gujarat | Stone-pelting happened today in Vadodara during Rama Navami Shoba Yatra. As per the police, the situation is under control & peace is prevailing in the affected area. pic.twitter.com/5BGMpxivBy
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2023
The violence against Hindus during their religious festivals is a regular occurrence throughout the country. Last year also, the Ram Navami procession in Howrah was attacked, including stone pelting, which resulted in injuring many devotees. The participants had to abandon the procession because of the assault.
