Many locals in Malda district probably have not heard of an essentially-Bihar based Muslim organisation called Edara-e-Sharia. This organisation has been generally active in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and parts of Odisha. However, they are reported to be getting active in some select pockets of West Bengal and Assam in recent times. Generally, the organisation is involved in social works and enforcement of Shariat rules and Islamic order values and norms. “We are a social organisation and has been actively involved in helping common people especially women in terms of getting adequate financial support in the cases of talaq and related issues,” Edara-e-Sharia leader Ghulam Zarquani said. They admit that they were protesting on January 3 against the supposed remarks of the Hindu Mahasabha leader against the Prophet but their organisation has no hand in the violence that erupted later.
From development point of view, Inter block disparity in the district is seen in diversified socio economic condition of people. According to Human Development Index and Gender Development Index this district is in a deplorable condition in West Bengal – where ironically Muslim-friendly political masters have been ruling the roost. Sources say Harishchandrapur-I, Chanchal-I, Gazole, Bamongola, Habibpur, Old Malda and Manikchak represent high social development, whereas low level of social development is reported largely from Kaliachak-I and Kaliachak-III blocks. The low levels of social development in these blocks are due to less number of primary school, junior basic school, higher secondary school and primary health care centres.
