Days after violent unrest erupted in Mothabari village, located in the Malda district of West Bengal, Hindu women from the area came forward on March 30, to recount the harrowing experiences they endured.
One woman, speaking to the media, revealed that they are being compelled to conceal their religious identity. “We have to take off our Sakha Pola and wear head coverings, like the hijab, even though we don’t want to,” she shared.
The woman also described the escalating violence, including abductions, torture, and attacks on their homes. “Stones are being thrown at our houses,” she said. She added that Hindu women are being threatened with the kidnapping and murder of their children unless they comply with the demands of the Muslim mobs.
“Our children are stuck at home because of the trouble… We won’t be able to survive without working. Why should we be forced to stay confined to our homes?” questioned another Hindu woman.
One woman, clearly upset, added, “No action is being taken against them, even though they are the ones committing the crimes.”
Another woman shared, “Our children can’t even go to school.” A different Hindu woman stressed, “We want peace. We need justice. How can we live under such conditions? They’re threatening to abduct Hindu women.”
