Tension in Mothabari, Malda, escalated when police stopped Bharatiya Janata Party state president and Union minister Sukant Majumdar and party supporters near English Bazaar, approximately three kilometers from the trouble torn area, preventing him from entering the area.
The area has become the centre of political and communal tensions following recent incidents that led to the imposition of section 163 (formerly Section 144). The legal provision was clamped in the area after a group of locals shouted Jai Shri Ram slogan while walking in front of a mosque and next day, a number of shops and houses were vandalised.
BJP supporters’ attempts to remove police barricades were met with resistance, leading to scuffles. Allegations surfaced that BJP workers turned violent after their efforts to breach the blockade failed.
Addressing the gathering, Majumdar accused the state administration of using Section 163 as a means to curb BJP’s movement, directly implicating local Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabina Yasmin.
Tensions had already been brewing since March 27, when BJP leaders claimed that Hindus in Mothabari were targeted in violent attacks. Majumdar posted a video alleging that Hindu-owned shops and homes were looted and vandalised, with vehicles being damaged on the main roads. He further accused chief minister Mamata Banerjee of endangering the existence of Hindus in the state.
Majumdar attempted to visit the affected areas but was again stopped by police at the barricades, prompting another round of protests. Clashes between BJP supporters and law enforcement ensued as the party workers tried to force their way into Mothabari.
The BJP state president condemned the police actions and later urged people in Malda to celebrate Ram Navami without fear. “BJP’s Yuva Morcha workers would remain in the area for a few days to ensure your security,” said Majumdar addressing Hindus of the area.
Further intensifying political rhetoric, Majumdar made strong remarks against Mamata and the TMC, stating that the government’s influence needed to be challenged. He criticised the police for their handling of the Mothabari situation, attributing responsibility for the unrest to their actions.
The situation in Mothabari remains tense, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further escalation. Authorities are closely monitoring developments to maintain law and order in the region.
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