SPECIAL REPORT

Bangladeshis take ‘friendship fair’ route to infiltrate

By Asim Kumar Mitra

The same old story of rioting during the immersion processions of Devi Durga idols in the State has been repeated in number of places. Police had to open fire killing two persons in two different places. This spoilt the whole atmosphere of happiness. On the eve of  immersion day of the idol, Taki, a small town of West Bengal situated on the border of Bangladesh and on the bank of Ichhamati River experienced a completely different incident. Taking advantage of ‘Friendship Fair’ or ‘Milan Mela’ which is organised by the governments of India and Bangladesh every year, Bangladeshi citizens in large numbers entered India and and mingled with the local people and just got lost in the crowd. Local police officials said that they have no idea of such infiltration by Bangladeshi citizens. Champak Bhattacharya, Superintendent of Police, North 24 Parganas District, said, “Our job is to look after the law and order situation. We are not expected to stop infiltration from other country. It is the job of the Border Security Force (BSF).”

Every year people in large number come from both sides of the Ichhamati River to watch the immersion of Devi Durga idols in the said river. But this year, citizens of Bangladesh came to the vicinity in unusually large numbers in big boats called Bazras, steamers, and numerous boats as if they were coming to join the ‘Friendship Fair’ which is a very popular festival. But in no time people of this side (India) could feel the ill motive of Bangladeshis.

Bartaman, the second largest circulated daily newspaper published from Kolkata with a circulation of more than five lakh, had published the news as first lead on October 8, on first page said, “On Vijaya Dashami day numerous Bangladeshis entered India through Taki, a border-town without proper documents. Police and BSF forces were silent spectators. Infiltrators soon moved to inner destinations of the country. They did not face any problem from administrative authorities.”

It further wrote, “These infiltrators while entering Indian areas started looting, squeezing money from the people who had come to witness and enjoy ‘Friendship Fair’. Liquor  was sold openly, even girls and ladies were teased openly. These activities went on for hours together and people were confined in their houses as rioting went on for hours  uninterruptedly. The police and administrative authorities did nothing to control them. But when a group of locals tried to stop the infiltrators from manhandling ladies,a fight took place between the two groups. At that time police was seen in the vicinity. Police said that they were posted there to maintain law and order and peace only.”

The said newspaper wrote that much before the infiltrators landed there, hundreds of foreign money exchange counters were opened on the streets and road-side liquor shops were also opened for the facility of infiltrators.

It simply means that the whole incident was pre-planned and it was implemented smoothly, maybe, with the clandestine help of the local guardians of law. Surprisingly enough, when reporters enquired about the incident Shri VN Parashar, Public Relation Officer of BSF said, “BSF jawans were alert throughout the Vijaya Day (October 6) and there was no such incident recorded. In fact jawans took out flag march. No such incident of infiltration was reported. However, if reporters have some definite information or clues they are ready to probe into the matter.”

Shri Ananda Sarkar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) said that police did their best to tackle the situation. He assured that they would be especially watchful in future so that nothing untoward happens.

Asansol (under Bardhaman district) was the next spot where trouble broke out on the night of Vijaya Dashami (October 6). There are many Akharas in Asansol and Ranigunj areas that take out processions with band party and music on the eve of Vijaya Dashami day every year. Mahabir Akhara usually takes out their procession through GT Road every year. On that road a mosque is there, but so long (at least for the last sixty two years since the inception of Mahabir Akhara) no protest or objection was expressed by the Muslims against this Akhara procession. It used to be a peaceful affair every year.

But this year it took a turbulent turn as someone or a group instigated the Muslims to take a stand in the name of Islam as they generally do not allow playing of band in front of mosque. Although the relationship between two major religious groups was always very cordial something cooked up in secret.  The new set of police officials while settling norms for keeping peace during Puja days with organisers of different Puja committees intentionally singled out Akharas from this meeting. On Ashtami Day of Durga Puja, newly appointed DC of Police, Shisram Jajoria came to a Puja pandal in Apcar Garden area and arbitrarily disconnected the microphone system when Sandhi Puja was going on. Incidentally  in this area the residence of State Law Minister Malay Ghatak is situated.

On Navami and Dashami day Akharas generally take out their processions. A group of Muslim youths all of a sudden declared that they would not allow playing of band in front of the masjid. Akharas were not ready to accept this as they used to enjoy the right to proceed in front of masjid. They proceeded and trouble started. Police immediately took its position and sided by the masjid. They lathi charged, burst tear gas shells and opened fire. 18-year old Sujit Verma was killed during police firing and 18 people were seriously injured. On the other hand 14 policemen were also injured.

In Beldanga (Under Murshidabad district) Muslims did not allow Hindus to take out immersion procession. Hindus protested and reported the matter to the police. Police did not took any action against the culprits, not even a single arrest was made. Instead Police immersed the Durga idol in a nearby river.

In Bagnan (Under Howrah district) the immersion procession was attacked by the Muslims. They desecrated the idols and pelted stones and bricks on the immersion processionists. When this was reported to police, they took action against the Hindus instead of the real culprits (Muslims).

During this year Durga Puja festival it has come to light that Muslims have become belligerent in rural Bengal. Infact Hindus are afraid of these elements. On the other hand Muslims are finding out new methods to disturb peace in the society. On October 9, the Muslim inmates of Berhampore Jail had started hunger strike against the jailer against whom they have leveled a serious allegation that he desecrated the Holy Quran. Now investigation is going on. No finding has yet come out. But the fact remains that in rural Bengal Muslims are ruling as they are assuming the position of majority in many pockets of rural Bengal.?