Administration backs
Islamists blatantly
by Animitra Chakraborty
Deganga remains the same as it
was a few years back – escalating Hindu persecution prevails (and also expands)
the vicinity whereas the administrative apathy to Hindus (even if it’s an eyesore)
does remain at an all-time high. Nothing has changed, contrary to the
expectation of law-abiding citizens of Bengal, and it can also be said whatever
changes have taken place in all these years here is for the worse only.
Hindus in Deganga are left high
and dry.
Basudevpur and Ballavpur in
Berachanpa, P.S. Deganga are two adjoining villages containing a marginal Hindu
population, residing there, hence, in an environment of abject fear all these
years. Like every year this year too, Nabajagaran Sangha, local club in
Ballavpur, organized annual Durga Puja with splendor. The 34-year long Puja
ended (as expected) with fanfare. Even if Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha was
on October 27, 2012, Hindus expected that there would be no trouble.
Their folly came to the fore on October 28, 2012
at 6.30 am when beef was perceived in the area bordering the temple. The sudden
revelation, a distinctive act of profanity, stunned Hindus leading to a
cacophony in Ballavpur. Hindus from Basudevpur rushed to the spot only to the
find the cruel reality out. Even if Hindus informed the local Panchayat members
of the gruesome development, none of them did turn up before 10.00 am.
Ali Ahmed, member of the District Council (Zilla
Parishad), came to the spot at 10.30 am and without consulting anyone took the
beef away. When he returned Hindus asked him of this strange attitude; he
replied that it was done to retain communal harmony in the area.
During this altercation police arrived; police
failed to appear (sooner) despite repeated pleas of Hindus in the early
morning.
When administrative and police officials (SDPO
and Officer-in-Charge) were communicated the weird activity of Ali Ahmed, they did
not stop by supporting him only; he was also showered with lots of praises. As per
administrative and police officials, they would have done the same if there was
any such need. Hindus, reaching the brink of desperation owing to police inaction
and also its manifest antipathy to them, formed a blockade – refusing to lift
it till the restoration of beef (to its former position) and arrest of culprits
behind the dastardly act.
However, nothing like this happened ultimately (thanks
to blatant anti-Hindu posture of administration) and aforesaid officials opted
for a meeting, joined by Ali Ahmed and a few Hindus and Muslims. During the meeting,
SDPO threatened that Hindus were carrying out an illegal Puja and if necessary the
same would be ended forever and a day. Hindus,
as a result, had hardly any other option and had to remain content with the
fact that police would patrol Ballavpur till Kali Puja.
Hindus in the meeting did also point out a few other
aspects, nullified by the administration both willfully and mischievously.
On the word of Hindus, contrary to the previous
years, Muslims in the village were witnessed to endeavor to spoil the Durga
Puja 2012 – groups of Muslim boys were found to fight among themselves (near
the temple) with the intention to blemish the Puja only. Again at 11.30 am,
when the road blockade by Hindus was in full swing, a few Muslims tried to
break it forcefully and all these happened before the police. When Hindus
objected, police chased both Hindus and Muslims.
A great anxiety dominates Hindus in both Basudevpur and Ballavpur; even
if police is present there, Hindus are apprehending worst in the coming days.
(The Hindu Temple)
(Beef found behind left column of the Hindu Temple)
(Local Hindu Club)
(Junction of Basudevpur and Ballavpur)
