BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul on Saturday criticized the Mamata Banerjee government over the recent clash in Birbhum district, questioning why violence always erupts during Hindu festivals. She accused the TMC-led government of practicing “appeasement politics” and claimed the administration was silent after internet services were suspended in Sainthia.
“Yesterday, Doul Utsav was celebrated in West Bengal and today Holi is being celebrated. The violence occurred in Sainthia city in Birbhum district, and the internet has been suspended,” Paul told media.
She raised pointed questions about the violence, asking, “Why does violence take place during the festivals of Hindus only? Who is behind these incidents and why is the administration silent? Mamata Banerjee government is doing appeasement politics.”
Similarly, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar also attacked the Mamata Banerjee-led state government, accusing it of failing to act on the Birbhum clash and criticizing the state police for becoming “defunct” and losing their professionalism.
To contain the situation, internet and voice-over-Internet telephony services were suspended in at least five Gram Panchayat areas of Sainthia town in Birbhum district to prevent the spread of rumors and unlawful activities. The shutdown is in effect from March 14 (Friday) to March 17 (Monday).
The order issued by the Principal Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, cited concerns over the potential spread of “rumours for unlawful activities.” It stated that data-related messages would be temporarily blocked but emphasized that voice calls and SMS services would continue, along with unrestricted dissemination of knowledge through newspapers.
Police have been deployed in the affected areas following reports of a stone-pelting incident in Birbhum. The restriction affects areas including Sainthia, Hatora, Mathpalsa, Harisara, Dariyapur, and Fulur Gram Panchayats.
“In view of the recent events in some areas, Internet transmissions and voice-over-internet telephony may be used for spreading rumour for unlawful activities in the geographical area of Sainthia town, hence the service may be temporarily shut down,” the order stated.