Hooliganism in the name of religion will not be tolerated in Bengal : Mamata

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today sounded a warning against those who have been indulging in hooliganism in the name of religion and directed all the district police chiefs to spare none and book them offenders according to appropriate laws.

Ms Banerjee said while reviewing the administrative work of South 24 Parganas at Pailan.

The observation of the chief minister came following rallies with arms and weapons by many Hindu outfits and BJP across the state to mark the Ravami on Sunday and its immersion of the day where reports of violence arrived.

However, the chief minister has not identified any individual or any organisation.

She said the display of arms and ammunition in rallies was not culture in the state, which would not be tolerated. The chief minister also instructed the SPs of all districts to take appropriate action.

" Few mustans with pistols, swords, arms, cloths tied around their heads, are doing goondagiri on the roads. This is not Bengali culture. We worship Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Ganapati, Laxmi as well as Basanti. We observe all festivals with peace and harmony. We also celebrate Eid and Christmas", she added.

Ms Banerjee said the government gave permission for holding peaceful rallies but not to create chaos in the public.

". Everyone is free to practice their religion. No one has the right to go to the neighbourhood of a different community and kill someone," the chief minister warned.

She said she would ask the administration to take strong action against those who carried arms." Some people are opening organisations with religious names and doing business in the name of religion. They are bringing shame to their religion.

"What we witnessed yesterday is the handiwork of one party. Today I read in the papers that they carried pistols in their rallies. We saw on TV many people carried swords. Did Lord Ram ever carry a sword? They are importing a new religion (of violence) and dreaming of winning over the entire country. I am sorry to say this, I abhor them. I strongly condemn these actions."

She said the death of a person in Purulia yesterday was akin to the death of her family member. " Whether he was Muslim, Hindu, Sikh or Christian is immaterial. They are so afraid that they are hiring goons from outside. Bengal will not tolerate this".

She said she has ordered all SPs to take strong action. " Do not spare any wrong-doer. If I come to know that police is colluding with them, I will not spare the police either" she warned.

" People demand justice. They are horrified by yesterday's events. This is not Bengal's culture. This will not be tolerated. This is my clear message," Ms Banerjee said.

Read more at http://www.uniindia.com/~/hooliganism-in-the-name-of-religion-will-not-be-tolerated-in-bengal-mamata/States/news/1179988.html#5H1Zgu4rzP0zCVIU.99