The Kurmi community leaders in West Bengal, who have been agitating for Scheduled Tribe status, have issued a stern warning of a wider movement if the police take stringent action against the members of their community or their leaders following the attack on the convoy of Trinamool Congress’ national General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, on Friday evening.
The response comes after a statement made by state minister Birbaha Hansda, who vowed to see the matter through to the end and promised not to spare anyone involved in the attack. Ajit Mahato, a Kurmi leader, expressed his concerns on Saturday, stating that any attempts by the administration to create an atmosphere of terror by arresting community members would not be tolerated.
Mahato emphasized that none of their people was involved in the unfortunate attack and accused authorities of intentionally dragging the names of Kurmi community members into the matter. He made it clear that if the police were to instil fear and resort to repression, the community would not remain silent, but would prepare for an appropriate response.
Suman Mahato, another prominent Kurmi leader, took a more assertive stance by threatening mass agitation by community members during the Chief Minister’s visits to tribal-dominated areas of the state if the police engaged in repressive actions.
Highlighting their peaceful approach to the demands for Scheduled Tribe status, Mahato refuted any involvement of Kurmi members in Friday’s incident. He asserted that there was a deep-rooted controversy surrounding the dragging of their community’s name into the matter. In the event of necessity, the community would stage a massive demonstration in support of their demands right in front of the Chief Minister.
So far, the police have arrested four individuals in connection with the attack on Abhishek Banerjee’s convoy, but their identities have not been disclosed yet. The suspects have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 307 for attempt to murder. Additionally, charges have been framed under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act due to the complete smashing of the rear glass of Birbaha Hansda’s vehicle.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee, the target of the attack, claimed to have heard the slogan ‘Jai Shree Ram’ during the incident. He demanded a statement from the Kurmi community leaders within the next 48 hours, warning that their failure to respond would lead him to consider their involvement in the attack.
The situation remains tense as Kurmi leaders stand firm in their resolve to protect their community’s reputation and assert their demands for Scheduled Tribe status. The response of the authorities and the subsequent actions taken by the police will play a crucial role in determining the course of events and the potential escalation of the agitation. (Edited)
