Protests by Hindu and Muslim organisations choke streets of Kolkata

Clashes erupted between the police and the Hindu groups who wanted to submit grievances to the Bangladesh High Commission

Processions by Hindu groups and Muslim organisations choked the streets of Kolkata on Thursday (November 28, 2024). The protest by Hindu groups was against the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, whereas Muslim organisations were protesting against the Waqf Amendment Bill proposed by the Centre.

West Bengal State Jamiat-e-Ulama organised a public protest at Esplanade, in the heart of the city. Muslims from across the city arrived in large numbers to protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill and also demanded a free Palestinian State. Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of the Jamiat-e-Ulama group in Bengal and Minister of Mass Education Extension and Library Services of West Bengal addressed the meeting. Mr. Chowdhury said that the Constitution of India has brought freedom to every citizen, and if anyone wanted to tamper with the Constitution, there would be protests. He stated, “In the Waqf Amendment Bill, the government has directly attacked the Constitution. This is to rob Muslims of their rights and destroy all Waqf properties.”

He said that the Central government was trying to divide the country based on religion and only a united fight would put an end to such an attempt.

Khobayeb Amin, representing the Basirhat Dargah Sharif, told the gathering, “I want to tell Abhishek Banerjee that he should walk out of Parliament with all his MPs and fight. We are with you on this. We are ready to head to Delhi and protest with you.”

On the other hand, within two hours of the Islamic group meeting, a Hindu group rally started unfolding in another part of the city. It was organised by the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran group. Hundreds of supporters walked from the Sealdah Railway Station to the Bangladesh High Commission to seek the immediate release of the Bangladesh unit of ISKCON’s priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. The protesters also demanded the safety and security of Hindus and Hindu properties in Bangladesh.

Several Hindu religious leaders and supporters took to the streets as police formed barricades and stopped the rally from reaching the High Commission. The situation became tense as clashes erupted when barricades were breached. A battle of strength transpired as police used the baton after two barricades were breached.

Religious leader Swami Paramatma said the common people were being attacked in Bangladesh. He also said, “Mohammad Yunus wants to make Bangladesh an Islamic State and also destroy the peaceful co-existence of Hindus and Muslims in India.”

Similar protest marches were organised across West Bengal by various Hindu groups. Several priests at ISKCON also organised kirtans (chanting)as a form of protest.

A few representatives were finally allowed to enter the Bangladesh High Commission and express their grievances. Acharya Sanjay Shastri, after submitting a request, to the Assistant Deputy High Commissioner, said, “They have listened to our grievances. They have assured us that they will carry our voices to the Bangladesh government.”

Published - November 28, 2024 10:23 pm IST