Sun Apr 13 08:53:28 UTC 2025: **West Bengal BJP MPs Urge AFSPA Implementation Amidst Communal Violence**

KOLKATA, April 13, 2025 – Two BJP MPs from West Bengal have called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to implement the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in several border districts of the state. Their plea follows recent outbreaks of communal violence, allegedly targeting the Hindu community.

Purulia MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato cited incidents in Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas districts, alleging the state government’s inaction due to appeasement politics. He detailed the destruction of homes and shops, murders, and economic sabotage, drawing parallels to the 1990 Kashmiri Pandit exodus. Mahato’s letter, dated April 13th, specifically mentions the burning of betel leaf plantations in Jhaubona village and the alleged murder of Hargobindo Das and his son. He attributes much of the violence to protests stemming from the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Ranaghat MP Jagannath Sarkar echoed these concerns, also writing to Shah, requesting a high-level investigative team from the Ministry of Home Affairs and increased central forces deployment in vulnerable areas. Both MPs emphasized the need for swift legal action against perpetrators to restore peace and uphold constitutional rights.

The violence, which prompted Calcutta High Court intervention and the deployment of central armed police forces, has raised serious concerns about law and order in the region. The MPs’ calls for AFSPA implementation highlight the escalating tensions and the perceived inadequacy of the state government’s response.

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