Bengal Police On High Alert For Ram Navami Amid Hindu Jagran Manch's 5,000 Processions

Ahead of the Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal, several police stations across the state are on high alert to prevent potential communal tensions.

This heightened vigilance comes as the Hindu Jagran Manch, an organization linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), plans to organize around 5,000 religious processions at ward or panchayat levels across all districts of the state.

Notably, significant processions are scheduled in Barasat, Siliguri, and Kolkata's Burrabazar, as reported by Indian Express.

Bengal Police On High Alert For Ram Navami

Given past incidents of communal tensions during Ram Navami celebrations, district administrations in Hooghly, Howrah, Uttar Dakshin Dinajpur, Asansol, and Barrackpore are also on alert, according to the newspaper report. The police have issued strict warnings, stating that they will take decisive action against anyone found violating law and order during this period.

An unnamed police official told The Indian Express that public display of weapons during processions will not be permitted. Certain traditional groups and akharas have been granted permission for their processions, with authorities planning to closely monitor these events through videography, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In recent years, Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal have become a contentious political issue, often resulting in significant political confrontations and even communal violence.

Notably, the Calcutta High Court recently granted permission for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Anjani Putra Sena to conduct Ram Navami processions in Howrah on April 17, subject to specific conditions. This decision came despite objections from the state government, which had proposed an alternative route for the processions.

The Hindu Jagran Manch is expecting substantial participation in the Ram Navami processions, with lakhs of people anticipated to join. Subhajit Roy Manch, a member of the organization, expressed confidence in the police's ability to maintain law and order during the festivities, urging people of all faiths to celebrate their festivals peacefully and without hindrance.

The political dimension of Ram Navami celebrations was further highlighted by statements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Prime Minister Modi, addressing election rallies, accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attempting to obstruct Ram Navami festivities. In contrast, Chief Minister Banerjee accused the BJP of plotting to incite riots in the state for electoral gain, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In her address at a poll rally in Jalpaiguri, Mamata Banerjee cautioned against falling into the BJP's alleged trap of communal polarization and urged supporters to remain vigilant to thwart any attempts to incite violence for political advantage. She also voiced concerns that the BJP might use the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to arrest TMC leaders on fabricated charges following any potential clashes.