No provocative speeches, central forces to remain in Murshidabad: Calcutta HC

A division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury also issued a stern reminder to all political parties and individuals to refrain from making provocative speeches that could further stoke tensions in the region.

“We will continue with the central force deployment. No provocative speeches will be allowed. This applies to all,” the bench ruled during the hearing.

Tensions Continue in Murshidabad, Bhangar Sees Fresh Violence

The directive comes amid persistent unrest in Murshidabad, where at least three people lost their lives and hundreds were displaced after violent protests rocked the Suti, Jangipur, Shamsherganj, and Dhulian areas on April 11 and 12. Although authorities claim the situation is under control, fresh reports of violence emerged from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas on April 14, underlining the fragile law and order scenario.

State Government Asked to Form Rehabilitation Teams

The High Court also instructed the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led West Bengal government to immediately create teams dedicated to the rehabilitation of displaced families, many of whom had fled to neighboring districts to escape the violence.

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The state, represented by its counsel, informed the court that Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been formed to probe the violent incidents and that precautionary measures like internet shutdowns and prohibitory orders under Section 144 remain in effect.

Central Forces to Stay Put, Drone Surveillance Underway

The court had initially ordered the deployment of central forces on April 12, following a petition citing severe law and order breakdown. Since then, around 17 companies of CAPF have been stationed in critical pockets including Suti, Shamsherganj, and Dhulian.

During Thursday’s hearing, the central government’s counsel urged the court to extend the deployment, emphasizing the “sensitivity of the ground situation” in Murshidabad.

The state government reported its peacekeeping efforts, noting that 79 people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a man and his son during the unrest. It also disclosed that two cases under the Explosives Act had been registered, and 38 displaced families had been successfully rehabilitated so far.

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“We are carrying out drone surveillance and have taken steps to control the situation. Internet services remain suspended as a precautionary measure,” the state counsel informed the bench.

Political Tussle Over Murshidabad Unrest

The state also dismissed claims made by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, who alleged that multiple districts were “burning” under unchecked violence. The state counsel refuted these accusations as “factually incorrect.”

Interestingly, the state also made it clear that it did not object to the continued presence of central forces in the district. “I am not allergic,” the state’s counsel remarked, clarifying the government’s position on CAPF deployment.

Background: Waqf (Amendment) Act Sparks Unrest

The violent flare-up in Murshidabad is the latest and most severe instance of public backlash against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, a piece of legislation that has faced criticism for its controversial changes, including the deletion of the ‘waqf by user’ provision and the inclusion of non-Muslims on Waqf boards.

While the state struggles to restore normalcy, the judiciary’s directive ensures that federal security forces will continue their vigil in Murshidabad until the region stabilizes. The High Court’s explicit call for calm and prohibition on inflammatory rhetoric signals a tightening legal leash on the political discourse surrounding the issue.