Murshidabad calm, normalcy returning

West Bengal's communal violence-hit Murshidabad district was gradually limping back to normalcy as no fresh violence was reported, and residents forced to flee to neighbouring Malda were returning home, officials aware of the developments said on Monday.

- HT Correspondentt [e-mail]

KOLKATA:

"The situation is well under control. Adequate security forces, including state police and central forces, are deployed in the areas. There have been no reports of any fresh violence. People are gradually returning home," an Indian Police Service officer monitoring the situation said.

A few hundred people from the violence-hit areas of Samserganj in Murshidabad crossed the Bhagirathi River to Malda.

"Around 170 people were sheltered in a relief camp at the Parlalpur High School in Baishnabnagar. We are providing them with food, including baby food, medicines and clothes. Two more schools were kept ready to accommodate more people. But since Sunday around 50 people have returned to Murshidabad. More are likely to return on Monday," an official in Malda said.

Clashes initially erupted in Murshidabad's Jangipur last Tuesday following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The situation was brought under control before fresh violence broke out on Friday, forcing police to fire four rounds.