Shops and vehicles attacked in Howrah after Ram Navami procession unrest

Kolkata: A day after clashes were reported during a Ram Navami procession, West Bengal's Howrah district saw another set of violence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Governor CV Ananda Bose to take stock of the situation.

Around 1.30 pm, a mob went on attacking shops and vehicles. They pelted stones at police officers stationed in the area. The area appeared peaceful in the morning when cops held marches, reported The Indian Express. Police deployed heavy security in the area.

A senior police officer said, so far, 36 people have been arrested. Efforts are being taken to bring the situation under control. "Stones were pelted from both sides of Shibpur Police Station and security has been tightened in areas between Kazipara near the Ganges Garden Apartment and PM Basti. It is not yet clear what triggered today’s violence. It seems to be a planned action by some miscreants. Last year too, this area had witnessed tension post-Ram Navami celebrations, but not to the extent that is being seen this year."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the BJP for the incident and said the party is trying to stoke communal violence again and again. "It is the only thing they’re good at. Even today, they caused communal violence in Howrah."

She added that she wants both Ram Navami and Ramadan to be celebrated peacefully in the state. "I have repeatedly said that I will not block any Ram Navami procession. I had given instructions to my party workers as well as the police. While one community is celebrating Annapurna Puja, the other is observing fast during Ramzan. We have over 33% Muslim population in the state, they fast and pray during this significant period."

She said strict action will be taken against everyone involved in creating unrest.