Peace is returning to Murshidabad, no room for politics now, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Times of India | 18 April 2025
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister KOLKATA: CM Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said peace was slowly returning to Murshidabad's strife-hit zones, and the need of the hour was to build confidence among people.
"I appeal to everyone to stay in peace. Riots are not caused by Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs or Jains. Riots are instigated by some criminals. Nowadays, money can make many things happen. During situations like this, you will find some good people, and at the same time, there will be some netas who disguise themselves as good persons to catch fish in troubled waters," the CM said, speaking to reporters.
Banerjee also appealed to Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose, as well as other political functionaries, not to visit violence-affected Murshidabad at this time, saying it could hamper peace and state govt's confidence-building measures. "I request that no one visit Murshidabad at this moment apart from locals. Peace is slowly returning there, and the need of the hour is to boost confidence-building measures. The state administration is doing just that. I could have also gone, but I'm not for a reason. If I go, how can I stop others? I will go at the right time. I request the governor and others to wait a few more days," she said.
The CM added that the state women's commission had also wanted to go there, but she asked them not to. Asking everyone to refrain from "doing politics" in such a situation, Banerjee asked BJP netas to go to Tripura, Manipur and Assam instead. She further alleged that outsiders, including some in uniform, had caused trouble, and time was needed for the situation to normalise.
"Some people in uniform are terrorising locals. Previously, BSF used to control a 5km area from the border. But now the Union home minister has given power to BSF to control a 50km area. We are losing connection with people along this entire 50kms," said Banerjee. She said that earlier there was a system where a Bengal police team would check who was coming in to the country and for what purpose.
"After the home minister's diktat, the process has changed. Our officers are not allowed to keep track of outsiders. I don't blame everyone, but there is a certain section that causes trouble," she said. Accusing some netas of fishing in troubled waters, Banerjee appealed to both Hindus and Muslims to maintain peace and not give in to provocation.
"Whether Hindu or Muslim, let everyone be in peace. I want my country, state and the entire world to be at peace. We don't need rallies or meetings. What we need is peace now. This is not a place for politics," the CM said.
"This (disturbances) happens every election, and it's all orchestrated by agencies. The case is sub judice. Have faith in law and maintain peace. They can do whatever they want against me. I don't care. I dare them. I only care about my people," she added.