Siliguri — The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday enforced a 24-hour strike in Siliguri, disrupting normal life in parts of the city, in protest against alleged attacks on Hindus and their businesses in the Matigara area and the subsequent arrest of workers from affiliated Hindu organisations.
Spot visuals from Siliguri showed shuttered shops and empty roads, with a visible decline in public transport activity. Police have increased security deployment in sensitive pockets to prevent any escalation.
Origin of the Conflict
Tensions erupted on Friday after a vehicle allegedly transporting meat illegally was intercepted in Matigara. According to reports, the vehicle was later set ablaze, leading to violent clashes between two groups and a heavy police presence to restore order.
VHP’s Allegations and Demands
VHP North Bengal president Laxman Bansal held a press conference Monday morning, stating:
“There has been prevailing chaos in West Bengal for years. Hindu women and children are being traumatised, and their businesses attacked.”
He alleged that on May 30, Bajrang Dal workers intercepted a vehicle with four armed occupants. A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged, but instead of arresting the suspects, police allegedly detained Bajrang Dal members, charging them under 14-15 IPC sections.
Bansal condemned the arrests, demanding:
- An immediate CBI investigation into the incident
- Arrest of the accused individuals in the meat transportation vehicle
- Withdrawal of charges against Bajrang Dal workers
“If the West Bengal government fails to act, we will take to the streets in protest,” he warned.
Government Response & Law and Order Measures
The West Bengal Police have maintained silence over the specific details of the FIR and arrests but confirmed enhanced security deployment in Siliguri to avoid further unrest.
No official response has yet been issued by the state government or Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Public Impact of the Strike
The VHP’s bandh call led to:
- Partial closure of commercial establishments
- Reduced vehicular movement, especially in and around Matigara and Siliguri town
- Heightened security checks and police patrolling across the city
Local residents expressed concern over the recurring communal tensions in the region and called for swift administrative action to defuse the situation.
Background: A Pattern of Rising Tensions
This incident is the latest in a series of communal flashpoints reported in North Bengal in recent months. VHP and Bajrang Dal have frequently accused the state police of bias against Hindu groups, while opposition leaders have called for peace and restraint.
Conclusion:
As Siliguri witnesses disruptions due to the VHP strike, the demand for a federal-level investigation and restoration of communal harmony gains urgency. The coming days are likely to test the state administration’s ability to balance law enforcement with political and communal sensitivities.