Bengal: 5,000+ Ram Navami processions today, police on high alert
What's the story
Several police stations across West Bengal are on high alert to avert any communal tensions ahead of Ram Navami celebrations in the state, The Indian Express has reported.
The Hindu Jagran Manch—an organization affiliated with Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh—has declared plans to organize around 5,000 religious parades throughout the state's districts.
The district administrations in Hooghly, Howrah, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, Asansol and Barrackpore — which have experienced communal tensions in the past during Ram Navami celebration—are also on alert.
Context
Why does this story matter?
In recent years, Ram Navami celebrations have become a focal point of political contention, often escalating into major confrontations and even communal violence, particularly in the eastern state.
Last year, clashes broke out in Howrah on March 30, subsequently spreading to two other districts, North Dinajpur and Hooghly.
At least 10 people were injured in these clashes.
Police statement
No public display of weapons allowed
The Indian Express quoted a police officer as saying, "No public display of weapons during processions on the festive occasion will be allowed."
Some traditional groups and akharas have been given permission to hold a procession, but they will have to be videographed, the officer added.
The police have warned that anyone violating law and order will face strict consequences.
Political slugfest
PM Modi, Mamata clash over Ram Navami celebrations in Bengal
On Tuesday, a political slugfest erupted in West Bengal between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Ram Navami festival.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of attempting to disrupt the festivities using "conspiracies."
In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of meddling in state officials' transfers and cautioned that the saffron party would bear responsibility for any potential riots.
On Monday
Calcutta HC grants permission to VHP for Ram Navami procession
The political clash came a day after the Calcutta High Court granted permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to hold a procession on Ram Navami in Howrah city.
The West Bengal government had highlighted unrest during last year's procession and proposed an alternative route for the procession.
The organizers had contested in the high court.
Hindu Jagran Manch rallies
Lakhs expected to join procession: Hindu Jagran Manch
Meanwhile, the Hindu Jagran Manch said that it expects lakhs of people to join the Ram Navami procession on Wednesday.
"It's a big day for us. As far as maintaining law and order is concerned, police should take care of it. I would just like to appeal to people to ensure that people of all faiths are allowed to celebrate their festivals equally...others shouldn't create any hindrance," Hindu Jagran Manch member Subhajit Roy Manch told the Indian Express.