Tensions Rise in Kolkata as Police Enforce Ban on Roadside Namaz
Protest erupts after police stop namaz on road in Kolkata locality
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Tensions flared in the Rajabazar area of Kolkata, West Bengal, when police intervened to stop a group from offering namaz on the road, citing a ban by the new government. Protesters claimed it was a tradition, while authorities emphasized the need to maintain public order. The situation was brought under control with police presence.
- 01The protest occurred in Rajabazar, Kolkata, where a group attempted to perform namaz on the road despite a government ban.
- 02The new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has prohibited religious activities on public roads to maintain law and order.
- 03Protesters argued that offering namaz on the street is a longstanding tradition.
- 04The police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed to manage the situation and ensure traffic flow was restored.
- 05BJP sources indicated that the Chief Minister had instructed that namaz should only be conducted inside mosques.
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Tension erupted in the Rajabazar area of Kolkata, West Bengal, when a group attempted to offer namaz on the road, defying a ban imposed by the new government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The police intervened to disperse the gathering, leading to resistance from the protesters who argued that performing namaz in public was a tradition. The administration maintained that keeping public thoroughfares clear is essential for law and order. Following the police action, the road was cleared, and traffic resumed. Authorities deployed a significant number of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel to ensure the situation remained under control. Officials stated that individuals disrupting public order would be identified and face legal action. The previous government under Mamata Banerjee had permitted religious activities on the streets, but the current administration has taken a stricter approach. According to sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Chief Minister emphasized in a Cabinet meeting that namaz should only be conducted inside mosques, and no roadside activities would be tolerated.
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This ban on roadside namaz could significantly affect the way local communities practice their faith, possibly leading to tensions between religious groups and law enforcement.
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