Cong condemns communal tension, says TMC "playing dirty tricks"

Condemning the sporadic communal tension in the state following the Durga idol immersion and Muharram, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday said it is a matter of great concern that communal disturbance is on the rise in Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal.

"Communal disturbance has certainly been rearing up in West Bengal and it is a matter of great concern. Communal tension is alien to Bengal. It is known for communal amity, communal harmony etc. But for the last few days, whatever we are observing is a matter of great consternation because communal passion is assuming an alarming proportion in West Bengal. A number of incidents have taken place due to which there is a sense of disbelief and alienation," Chowdhury said.

Communal tension has been rising in parts of at least four districts of West Bengal. Clashes were reported from Hazinagar in North 24 Paraganas, Chanchal subdivision of Malda, Chandannagar in Hooghly and Kharagpur city in Paschim Medinipur, while minor scuffles broke out in two more areas over the last three days.

The areas are tense with the assembly of more than four people prohibited. However, the administration has so far refused to divulge any information. All-party peace march was taken out in parts of both south and north Bengal.

"The government should be more vigilant and quick in responding to these kinds of situations, however, at the ground level, government and the ruling party have been playing dirty tricks where the Opposition party workers have been barred from entering this area. But as a citizen and a political leader of this state, we should have every right to know what kind of incident has occurred and what the present situation is," Chowdhury told ANI.

"Our voices are being smothered by the ruling party. They can arrange for processions, but we cannot. We are barred from entering the communally affected areas and in Bengal, the ruling regime is trying to wipe out democracy," he added.

In Chanchal, the police station was targeted by an angry mob on Sunday, following a series of arrests the previous evening. Lorries and private cars were set on fire and shops looted.

The police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells, injuring at least half a dozen protesters.

Communal clashes have continued in the last 72 hours over routes to be taken for processions for the immersion of Durga idols and the 'tazia' processions for Muharram.