“Escape from Murshidabad: Boats Carry Hope for Displaced Families in Malda”

Fear-stricken families from Dhulian municipality in Murshidabad have sought refuge in Malda’s Parlalpur High School, located in the Kaliachak-III block, following riots in their locality.

The exodus, mostly by crossing river Ganga on boats, began in the past 24 hours. The distance between Dhulian and Parlalpur village is about 15km.

Nitin Singhania, the Malda DM, said that so far 170 people had reached the district from Murshidabad.

“So far, 170 people have come from Murshidabad to Malda. Of them, 120 are staying at Parlalpur High School, while others are with relatives. We’ve sent both dry and cooked food, clothes, and essential medicines to support them,” said Singhania.

Malda SDO Pankaj Tamang also visited the shelter during the day and distributed relief materials.

The displaced individuals currently residing in the school expressed their unwillingness to return home unless their safety was guaranteed.

Many, especially women, alleged police inaction during the violence. “We are just thankful to be alive,” one woman said, visibly shaken.

Most declined to reveal their identities, fearing retaliation.

One 43-year-old homemaker from Dhulian recounted her harrowing experience: “I fled here with my two daughters. The rioters came with sharp weapons. They destroyed our groceries, and my husband had to flee for his life. We have not heard from him since.”

Many accused local Trinamool Congress councillors of turning a blind eye during the attacks. “They just stood by as our homes were torched,” said a woman.

Swadhin Sarkar, former BJP MLA of Baishnabnagar, Malda, claimed that around 450 individuals from at least four municipal wards in Dhulian have taken refuge
in Malda.

In a show of solidarity, many residents of Malda responded to social media appeals and donated food, clothes, and money for the victims from Murshidabad.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Malda philanthropist Soumen Sarkar. “Thousands of residents came forward with contributions, big and small, allowing us to provide dry food, clothes and other essentials to those in need.”

Demonstrators expressed concerns over provisions in the amended law, which they believe affect property rights and religious institutions. The protests initially started peacefully but escalated into violent clashes in areas such as Jangipur and Umarpur.

Police says situation in violence-hit areas of Murshidabad peaceful, under control; internet remains suspended

The situation in violence-hit areas of Murshidabad district, mainly Suti, Samserganj, Dhulian and Jangipur was peaceful and under control on Monday, a senior police officer said.

Prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force in the violence-hit pockets where the roads wore a deserted look and shops downed their shutters.

The internet remains suspended in the affected areas while security forces are conducting checks on vehicles along the main roads.

Three people have died, and several others injured in the violence which raged in Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj and Jangipur areas since Friday afternoon but there was no report of any fresh incident from anywhere in the district.

“Tense Calm: Murshidabad Waits for Internet Restoration”

A total of 180 people have been arrested in connection with the violence following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act till Saturday afternoon, he said.

“The situation in and around these disturbed areas is peaceful and under control. There is no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the district of Murshidabad. Police deployment is there and we will not allow any form of nuisance to disturb peace,” the police officer told PTI.

BSF personnel accompanied by state armed police and RAF conducted route marches along the national highway and nearby alleys and bylanes.

The streets and alleys, however, wore deserted looks as marketplaces, and shops remained shut with people choosing to stay indoors.

At least 18 police personnel were injured in the clashes and were undergoing treatment in different hospitals, he said.

Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were hurled at security forces and shops, and police kiosks burnt down during the rampage.

Hundreds of people affected by communal violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district have crossed the Bhagirathi River and taken shelter in adjoining Malda, officials said.

The local administration has arranged for accommodation and food for the fleeing riot-hit families and sheltered them in schools, while deploying volunteers at the river bank to assist those arriving in boats.