Riot-Hit People in Bengal Want Central Forces to Stay

Bengal faces escalating violence, unrest, and public despair amid deepening administrative and communal crises.

- TIKAM SHARMA

Once celebrated for its vibrant culture, intellectual legacy, and artistic excellence, Bengal now finds itself overshadowed by growing violence, communal unrest, and administrative failures. Over the past year and a half, the state has been engulfed in a wave of turmoil—ranging from political conflicts and communal strife to widespread social unrest. This persistent instability is taking a serious toll on everyday citizens, who are grappling with fear, uncertainty, and a deep sense of disillusionment, whether in rural areas or urban centers.

Incidents such as those in Sandeshkhali, R.G. Kar, and, most recently, Murshidabad, have only intensified public anxiety. The unrelenting cycle of conflict has pushed the population to the edge. Many now feel abandoned by those in authority and increasingly disillusioned with the institutions meant to safeguard their well-being. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, citizens have appealed to West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, urging his intervention to restore peace and order. Their demand goes beyond political solutions—they are calling for a return to a life marked by safety, stability, and dignity.

To uncover the ground reality, The Sunday Guardian spoke with several individuals affected by the recent outbreak of violence in Bengal, which erupted during protests against the proposed Waqf Bill.

A 25-year-old woman, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted the terrifying ordeal. She revealed that during the violence, the attackers showed no mercy, targeting women and children alike.