West Bengal Communal Riots Over Facebook Post: Section 144 Imposed in Baduria; Internet Services Suspended in North 24 Parganas

North 24 Parganas's Baduria is marred with communal riots that broke on Monday over an objectionable Facebook post by a 17-year-old youth who was arrested later.

Kolkata, July 6: Amid the increasing tension in the Baduria region of North 24 Parganas district, Section 144 still remains in place in all affected areas. The regions that are highly affected due to the simmering communal tension include Basirhat and Baduria. As per the latest reports, the internet services also remain suspended in North 24 Parganas.

Earlier on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the formation of a peace squad, ‘Shanti Vahini’ that will function in the state for 15 days in a bid to tackle the violence that broke on Monday over an objectionable Facebook post by a 17-year-old youth who was arrested later. Reportedly, the squad will consist of youth and ‘peaceful’ citizens who will work in association with local police to bring about peace in the violence affected areas.

The Centre, on Tuesday, had rushed 300 paramilitary personnel to North 24 Parganas to bring the situation under control.

#UPDATE WB: Sec 144 remains imposed in all affected areas including Basirhat&Baduria.Internet services remain suspended in North 24 Parganas

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 6, 2017

The clashes resulted into a war of words between the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi. Speaking to the media, Banerjee had accused Tripathi of threatening her over phone. She also alleged that the Governor was acting like a “BJP block president”. “He talked big on law and order. I am not here at the mercy of anyone. The way he spoke to me, I once thought of leaving (the chair),” she said. Meanwhile, while defending himself, Tripathi said that there was nothing in the talks that could have made Mamata Banerjee feel insulted, threatened or humiliated.

Notably, as the situation turned tensed, several police vehicles were vandalised and set on fire by the locals in Baduria. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had sought a report, on the communal clashes in North 24 Parganas district, from the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.