Clutching their belongings and accompanied by children and livestock, families who had previously fled their homes in fear are now returning to Murshidabad. Though lingering anxieties are visible, a sense of relief is palpable. “Things will be alright this time,” a returning man reassured his wife, voicing a hope for the future.
On Tuesday, thirty families returned to their residences in the areas of Murshidabad affected by recent violence, encouraged by assurances from the police and local administration. Official estimates indicated that approximately 500 individuals were displaced during the unrest. Around 200 have since returned, and the administration is actively working to facilitate the return of the remaining individuals. However, some local sources claim the actual number of displaced people exceeded 1,000, with many seeking refuge in neighbouring Malda and even the state of Jharkhand.
“For the first time, we feel hopeful, thanks to the efforts of the police and the Border Security Force (BSF),” an elderly resident stated.
Heightened Security and Arrests
Intense patrolling by the police and BSF over the past 48 hours, combined with consistent communication with local residents, has been instrumental in rebuilding trust in the affected areas. While there have been multiple reports of looting, including theft of cash, jewellery, and livestock, families are beginning to smile again as they return to their familiar surroundings.
The crackdown on those responsible for the violence is ongoing. On Tuesday, two individuals accused in a double murder in Samsherganj were apprehended near the Birbhum-Bangladesh border. Police have affirmed their commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice, with an additional twenty arrests made on the same day.
To ensure the safety of returning families and prevent future incidents, central forces have provided contact information for responsible officers to each household. Rapid response units are on alert to address any untoward events swiftly. Furthermore, the police have initiated a digital crackdown, blocking over 1,000 social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading misinformation and inciting violence.
Dhuliyanpur: The Epicenter of Displacement
The Dhuliyanpur area, under the jurisdiction of the Jangipur Police District, experienced the largest number of displacements. Many residents sought shelter in Baishnabnagar in neighbouring Malda or across the state border in Jharkhand. Relief camps were established to provide food and essential aid.
According to district sources, 19 individuals returned home on Sunday, followed by 49 on Monday, and an additional 72 on Tuesday. “We urge all displaced families to return without fear. The district administration is here to support you,” stated Dinanaran Ghosh, the Additional District Magistrate (General). Jangipur SP Anand Roy added, “Complete peace has been restored in the area, and there is no reason for anyone to remain away from their homes.”
Restoring Normalcy and Building Trust
As Bengal celebrated its New Year, sweet shops in Dhuliyan reopened after being closed for several days. Bidi factories, a significant source of employment in the region, have also resumed operations. Peace meetings organized by the police, attended by both local officers and officers on special duty, have played a crucial role in restoring faith. Booth-level peace committees, comprising representatives from all communities and political parties, have been formed. These committees are tasked with reporting any disturbances or rumours directly to the police.
Combating Misinformation Online
According to ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar, over 1,093 social media accounts across platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram have been blocked. “Certain individuals were using these platforms to disseminate provocative content related to the incidents in Samsherganj and Suti. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards such activities,” he stated.
BSF’s Commitment to Peace
“We are not here for any specific community; we are here for everyone,” emphasized DIG Neelotpal Pandey of the BSF South Bengal Frontier. “Our primary objective is to restore complete peace. We are working diligently to ensure the 100% return of all displaced persons.”
Political Reactions and Human Rights Investigation
Senior Congress leader and former MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned the administration’s role during the period of violence. Speaking in Samsherganj, he alleged the involvement of some miscreants dressed in BSF uniforms in the unrest, asking, “Why haven’t they been identified yet?”
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is dispatching a team to investigate allegations of police inaction during the peak of the violence. This probe is in response to a complaint filed by the Odisha-based human rights group, ‘Kalinga Rights Forum.’
The Waqf Act: Underlying Tensions
The violence was triggered by protests against the amended Waqf Act. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a challenge against the amended law on Wednesday. The three-judge bench will be headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Adding political significance to the situation, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to address a gathering of minority leaders at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata – a meeting planned prior to the outbreak of violence. Leaders anticipate that her message will aim to rebuild confidence within the minority community. The Chief Minister has already declared that the amended Waqf law will not be implemented in West Bengal.
As the administration continues its efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy, the long-term challenge lies in maintaining this fragile peace.
