Attack on Hindus in Bengal ‘exact repetition of incidents in Kashmir,’ Centre must intervene: VHP

On Tuesday, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) likened the assaults on Hindus in specific West Bengal villages after the unrest related to the Waqf Act to comparable events in Kashmir, requesting Centre’s intervention if the state government does not control the violence.

In a declaration, Milind Parande, the National General Secretary of VHP, currently visiting the state, stated , “The attacks on Hindus in Dhulian, Suti, Shamsherganj of Murshidabad are condemnable. The Bengali Hindus who were forced to become refugees in their own state and took shelter in Malda from Murshidabad deserve complete rehabilitation and compensation. This incident is an exact repetition of the incidents in Kashmir.”

Calling the attacks “Jihadi”, Parande said, “The state government should ensure that law and order does not deteriorate in Siliguri tomorrow in the name of Waqf movement and later in other places in West Bengal, otherwise the intervention of the central government is necessary.”

In recent days, West Bengal has experienced extensive protests against the new Waqf law, with some areas becoming violent. So far, this has resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Murshidabad, among them a father and son, who were pulled from their residence by a mob and murdered. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sent the Border Security Force (BSF) into the area to ensure order. However, reports indicate that Hindus are escaping their villages to reach Malda and other nearby districts.

After the unrest in Dhulian, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) established a camp in Padlapur, where sources indicated that approximately 400 individuals from around 20-22 villages are accommodated. Sources indicated that food, clothing, and medicines are being supplied to them.