No Mercy to Hindu Protesters in Bengal

Even if the most ardent follower of Tapan Ghosh, president – Hindu Samhati, considered his arrest on March 14, 2013 as part of a routine exercise of Bengal administration to harass Hindu Samhati for a few days only, skepticism also reigned supremely as the arrest was on a flimsy ground and the administration’s insensate posture added fuel to it. Now, the worst apprehensions are coming to be true – Tapan da was arrested to curb his growing influence on Hindus across the state and thus to minify the confidence of Hindus in Bengal on Hindu Samhati, considered as their sole representative these days.

The question remains whether administration in Bengal is following the same maneuver to curb influences of others, especially Islamists, too. And the answer, contrary to expectations of citizens of Bengal, is no.

While Hindu persecutions by Muslim radicals are on the rise, their participation in felonious jobs (of all types) across the state is also rising highly. But the state administration, to sum up, remains reluctant to this episode, let alone taking them into custody.

The village of Naliakhali, P.S. Canning, District: 24 Paraganas (South) witnessed worst Hindu persecution on February 19, 2013 following the murder of Moulavi Rohul Kuddus, on February 18, 2013. While more than 200 houses of Hindus were burnt down before police (as per villagers of Naliakhali), Muslim radicals thrashed them heavily too.

The anti-Hindu offensive reached Jalaberia, located under the jurisdiction of P.S. Kultali, District: 24 Paraganas (South), on February 19, 2013. Islamists commenced oppression through targeting a few (a team comprising 60 Hindu women, virtually) Hindu women going to Narugopal temple at Tulsighata to attend religious services. 16 Hindu laborers, working in brickkilns, were abducted on next day (February 20, 2013) to teach Hindus a lesson.

But the bid to kidnap two Islamists by Hindus, as part of their defence and thus to settle early release of Hindu laborers, was viewed as grave offence by administration. Two Muslims were recovered soon whereas apathy to get back 16 Hindus was retained.

Sections 147/148/149/332/333/353/427/152/153/109/186/507/186/307 I.P.C. & 4 E.S. Act and 3 & 4 P.D.P.P. Act (Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984) were imposed on 37 Hindus including Tapan Ghosh leading to his unethical arrest.

Even if a few Islamists have been arrested owing to pressures created by several nationalist groups, it seems governance is unwilling to carry on the case against them evidencing its capitulation to Muslim radicals once more.

A set of relevant questions, regarding the anti-Hindu assault in Naliakhali, is submitted to the Bengal Government.

1)      What was the role of police and administration to stop the carnage?

2)      Did police fire any tear gas or gun shot to stop the rampaging mob?

3)      Did police start lathi charge to stop the mayhem?

4)      Did the state or district administration have knowledge of movement of truckloads of people from various other regions into the troubled area?

5)      Did the administration take any measure/s to stop the outsiders to enter the area?

6)      Has Govt. started any inquiry to unearth the larger conspiracy, if any, behind this mayhem?

7)      If yes, will Govt. publish the result of that Enquiry?

It is definite that there shall be no answer ever; laws in Bengal are not universal any longer.

Same laws, depending on religious identities, are being implemented between Hindus and Muslims differently and the pro-Islamist state government is striving to make it a greater success.

Hindus, if they dare to protest against injustice, will be taken into custody and may have to languish there for months – this is the bottom-line.