Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) calls 24-hour strike in Siliguri over alleged attack on Hindus, arrest of workers
Vishwa Hindu Parishad calls for a 24-hour bandh in Siliguri
NEW DELHI: The
Vishwa Hindu Parishad
(VHP) has announced a 24-hour bandh in West Bengal's Siliguri on Monday to protest against alleged attacks on members of the Hindu community, damage to their businesses in Matigara, and the detention of workers from Hindu organisations.
The unrest reportedly began on Friday after a dispute over suspected illegal transportation of meat in a vehicle in Siliguri's Matigara locality. The vehicle was allegedly set on fire, escalating tensions between two communities and prompting police action.
VHP's North Bengal region president, Laxman Bansal, said, "VHP North Bengal has called for a 24-hour strike in Siliguri. There has been prevailing chaos in West Bengal for many years.
Our Hindu women and children are being traumatised, and their businesses attacked."
He claimed that on 30 May, Bajrang Dal workers stopped a vehicle in Matigara suspected of transporting meat. "There were four people in the vehicle, reportedly carrying weapons. An FIR was lodged," Bansal said.
He further alleged, "When they were stopped, members of the Hindu community gathered at the spot, and they were outraged and set the vehicle on fire.
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However, the police did not apprehend the accused and instead arrested our Bajrang Dal workers, slapping 14-15 IPC sections on them."
"Tomorrow, the entire city of Siliguri will observe a shutdown. I urge everyone to join the protest to protect Sanatan Dharma," he added.
Bansal also accused the state government of favouring anti-social elements and engaging in appeasement politics.
"We will never hurt anyone, but if any government supports anti-social elements, the VHP will not remain silent.
When the state leadership indulges in appeasement politics for the vote bank, what can you expect from the police? Whenever there is any Hindu festival, the police resort to barricading and water cannons as if there is a conflict. Meanwhile, culprits are given protection," he said.
Demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, he called on the state government, led by CM Mamata Banerjee, to take action against those involved. "If not, we will be forced to march to the streets," Bansal warned.
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