Assam CM Condemns Situation in West Bengal, Predicts Fallout for Mamata Banerjee

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 21st Feb. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered scathing remarks yesterday, expressing grave concern over the deteriorating situation in West Bengal and predicting dire consequences for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress party, particularly in the Sandeshkhali region.

Sarma’s criticisms centered around the treatment of journalists in Bengal, alleging that those striving to expose the truth are facing persecution and arrests. He further denounced the recent incidents of sexual violence and harassment, particularly in Sandeshkhali, as egregious examples of lawlessness under the state government’s watch.

“The condition of Bengal is very bad,” Sarma declared, highlighting the plight of journalists facing arrests for attempting to report on the ground reality. Referring to the troubling events in Sandeshkhali, he emphasized the need for justice and asserted his belief in the legal process.

“Such atrocities on women cannot be tolerated,” Sarma stated, condemning the alleged syndicate operating under the state’s patronage. He warned that governments engaging in such abuses of power would inevitably face repercussions and lose public support.

The recent arrest of a journalist associated with Republic TV in Sandeshkhali has sparked national attention, prompting interventions from organizations like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Editors Guild of India. The NHRC issued a notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police, demanding a report within two weeks on the unlawful detention of a journalist and expressing concerns about the suppression of media freedom in the state.

The unrest in Sandeshkhali, ongoing for over 10 days, has been fueled by allegations of land-grabbing and sexual assault by TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. Two TMC leaders have been arrested on charges of gang rape and attempted murder in connection with the incidents.

As tensions escalate and accusations mount, the situation in West Bengal remains tense, with implications extending beyond the region’s borders.