Clashes erupted in Rishra in Bengal on Sunday during a Ram Navami procession
New Delhi:
The Central Armed Police Force has been deployed in West Bengal to assist the state police during Hanuman Jayanti, the Union Home Ministry said, which also on Wednesday called on all states to ensure law enforcement. and order during the festival following communal violence in Bengal and Bihar. during Ram Navami.
Hanuman Jayanti will be observed on Thursday.
In a late evening tweet, the Home Ministry spokesman said: “Central Armed Police Force deployed in West Bengal to assist State Police in maintaining law and order during respect for Hanuman Jayanti”.
Earlier, the department sent a notice to states and union territories aimed at raising awareness among law enforcement in the wake of communal violence last week.
“The MHA (Ministry of Interior) has issued an advisory to all states in preparation for Hanuman Jayanti. Governments are encouraged to ensure the maintenance of public order, peaceful observance of the festival and monitoring of any factors that may disturb communal harmony in society,” the home secretary’s office tweeted.
Clashes and instances of firebombings were reported in Hooghly and Howrah districts of West Bengal during Ram Navami processions including Monday night. Several vehicles were also set on fire and shops ransacked in Howrah.
Clashes were reported in Rishra, West Bengal, on Sunday during a Ram Navami procession attended by BJP National Vice President Dilip Ghosh and Pursurah MP Biman Ghosh. The MP was injured and hospitalized.
Parts of the nearby town of Serampore have also witnessed incidents of vandalism following which banning orders have been imposed and internet services suspended.
The violence led West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose to visit some of the violence-hit areas after Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to him.
On Tuesday, the Union Home Ministry also requested a detailed report from the West Bengal government on the communal violence.
Communal violence also took place in the towns of Sasaram and Biharsharif in Bihar during and after Ram Navami, following which more than 170 people were arrested.
Vehicles, homes and shops were set on fire and several people were injured in outbreaks of communal violence reported in the two towns on March 30 and 31.
Home Minister Amit Shah expressed concern over the incidents and spoke with Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to provide an update on the situation.
The Home Ministry has also sent additional paramilitary forces to Bihar to help the state administration deal with the situation.
Mr Shah had canceled his proposed visit to Sasaram on April 2 after restraining orders were put in place in the city.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)