Hostage Crisis Involving SIR Officials in Bengal... Public Outrage in Malda Blocks National Highway for 9 Hours
Protests in Malda regarding a voter list dispute linked to the SIR (Summary Revision) process turned violent. During the incident, judicial officers were encircled by an agitated mob.
The poll-bound state of West Bengal has currently become a focal point of discussion in national politics. Political tensions have been running high in the state ever since the commencement of the SIR process. The situation between the TMC and the BJP borders on outright confrontation. The TMC has also leveled allegations against the Election Commission on multiple occasions. Now, a new controversy has emerged, creating a volatile situation. The dispute originated over the deletion of names from voter lists during the SIR process, which subsequently triggered protests.
The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Bengal government and ordered an inquiry into the matter.
The conflict escalated, and the repercussions of this dispute have now reached the Supreme Court.
On Thursday, while hearing the matter, the Supreme Court expressed its dismay and reprimanded the state's Mamata-led government. Expressing its displeasure, the Supreme Court remarked, "West Bengal is the most politically polarized state." The Supreme Court's stern observation came in the wake of the encirclement of—and an unfortunate attack upon—judicial officers conducting 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) work in a village in the Malda district.
What is it? The Full Story?
On Wednesday, a massive protest erupted outside the Block Development Office (BDO) in Kaliachak II, Malda district, West Bengal, regarding the removal of names from the voter list during the Special Summary Revision (SSR) process. The protesters initially demanded to meet with judicial officers, but this request was turned down. Subsequently, around 4:00 PM, a mob surrounded three female officers and seven judicial officers.
Following this incident, protests against the SSR—involving road blockades—have continued in Malda since early this morning. Today, people once again gathered near the Narayanpur BSF camp in the Mangalbari area of Old Malda Block to block National Highway 12 and stage a protest.
The protest was taking place on National Highway 12 in the Jadupur area of English Bazar, Malda. The demonstration caused a traffic jam on the highway. Subsequently, police personnel sustained injuries while attempting to clear the blockade.
The driver of a police vehicle was injured. To disperse the crowd, the police fired tear gas shells. The protesters were demanding the inclusion of their names in the voter list.
What did the TMC say?
Issuing a statement regarding the encirclement incident in Malda, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said:
"We wish to make it clear that we do not support anyone taking the law into their own hands. The BJP is behind this incident. They have sponsored certain elements to spread unrest and create a political issue. The full responsibility for this now lies with the Election Commission (EC), as the command of law and order currently rests in their hands."
What did the BJP say?
Amit Malviya of the BJP IT Cell took to social media to state that law and order cannot be allowed to collapse in this manner. He stated, "The Kaliachak-II BDO office was besieged. Connectivity between North Bengal and South Bengal was completely severed as protesters blocked NH-12. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were trapped inside. The situation had spiraled completely out of control."
Amit further added that the seven judicial officers remained trapped inside the Kaliachak-II BDO office, which had been encircled by a large mob. Local security personnel described the situation outside as extremely volatile. Not only was the exit route from the office blocked, but roads on all access routes were also obstructed at multiple points, making movement in any direction extremely perilous.
Mamata's Emotional Appeal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Let us contest the elections peacefully. Do not resort to such violence. If anyone's name has been removed from the list, there are proper channels available to lodge a complaint. They intend to 'sell off' Bengal; consequently, they will shut down all ongoing projects. I appeal to both Hindus and Muslims to stand united. This is a battle against communal forces. I firmly believe in secularism. I feel deeply distressed that they have stripped me of all my powers. You are engaging in actions that are diminishing my dignity."
