Murshidabad Riots: Security Boost To Legislative Steps, A Look At Bengal Governor's Recommendations
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Anti-Waqf violence in Murshidabad: Sources said the governor's report emphasised the strategic and communal sensitivity of the region, while highlighting the law and order failure
Governor CV Ananda Bose, in his special report on the Murshidabad violence, recommended intervention by the Centre, if necessary, citing constitutional provisions.
According to sources, the governor, who visited the villages hit by violence linked to anti-Waqf law protests, emphasised the strategic and communal sensitivity of the region, while highlighting the law and order failure.
KEY OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS
1. Strategic Sensitivity of West Bengal
West Bengal shares an international border with Bangladesh, rendering districts like Murshidabad and Malda particularly vulnerable to cross-border tensions and demographic changes.
Political instability and alleged demographic manipulation have exacerbated communal polarisation across the state.
3. Persistent Law and Order Failures
Although the state successfully dealt with Left-wing extremism, it has struggled to manage communal violence and ensure basic law and order.
Local police forces remain understaffed and poorly equipped, often requiring assistance from central paramilitary forces to restore peace.
4. Cross-Border Infiltration
Migration from Bangladesh reportedly surged during political unrest in 2024.
The report calls for urgent completion of border fencing and enhancement of surveillance systems.
5. Election-Driven Communal Polarisation
With the 2026 elections approaching, communal divisions have deepened due to inflammatory political rhetoric.
Political parties are accused of exploiting religious identities to consolidate vote banks.
6. Murshidabad Riots – April 2025
Violence was triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which intensified after the Act was notified on 8 April.
Riots erupted across Murshidabad between 11–12 April, resulting in significant violence, including the targeted killing of a father-son duo in Jafrabad.
7. Ground Zero Observations (18–19 April 2025)
Displaced families from Murshidabad were found sheltering in relief camps in Malda.
Victims reported police inaction and widespread trauma in affected villages.
Locals in Samserganj and other areas strongly demanded the permanent deployment of BSF personnel.
8. Casualties, Arrests, and Property Damage
9. Spread of Violence
Communal clashes have expanded from Malda and Murshidabad to other regions including Bhangar, Siliguri, and Cooch Behar.
Assurances by the Chief Minister to protect minority communities have failed to de-escalate tensions, indicating deep-rooted communal divides.
10. Structural and Political Drivers
The political landscape in West Bengal is increasingly shaped by religious identity.
Allegations of hate speech, radicalisation, and demographic engineering are widespread, involving both ruling and opposition parties.
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Location :
Kolkata, India, India
First Published:
May 04, 2025, 13:45 IST
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