An association of various community leaders has expressed "deep concern" about the violence surrounding "religious processions" in pockets adjoining Kolkata.
"We are deeply saddened and concerned about the violence that occurred in the last few days during religious processions in Howrah and Rishra, Bengal. We strongly disapprove of any act of violence, regardless of the religion or community of those who have been involved," said the statement from United Interfaith Foundation, which promotes interfaith dialogue, peace and harmony.
"It is disheartening to see that what should have been a peaceful religious festival has turned into a platform for aggression, revenge and hostility," said the statement.
Clashes attributed to communal flare-ups have been reported from pockets of Howrah and Hooghly since last Thursday. Religious processions allegedly featuring gun-wielding and sword-brandishing marchers "celebrating" Ram Navami have triggered clashes that have injured people and led to arson.
While chief minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed the BJP and the Right-wing ecosystem for the violence, BJP leaders have targetted Mamata's "appeasement politics".
The administration is on guard to prevent a repeat of the violence on Hanuman Jayanti, which will be celebrated on Thursday.
The interfaith foundation, whose president is the archbishop of Kolkata, Thomas D’ Souza, has urged collaboration between communities.
"We urge all members of different communities to come together and work towards creating a peaceful and harmonious society. It is important for people of all faiths to respect each other's religious beliefs and traditions, and to peacefully coexist in our diverse society.
“West Bengal is a state of dialogue and culture, where we have always come together and built bridges of peace and harmony. A real dialogue takes place when we connect our souls to Almighty and spread the joy of peace among all those around us," said the statement.
Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, a leader of the Sikh community and the general secretary of the foundation, told this newspaper that the "politics of religious polarisation had no place in Bengal".
"The communal clashes are being triggered by people who want to pit brothers against one another," he said.
Moulana Qari Fazlur Rahman, who leads the Id prayers on Red Road; Md Shafique Qasmi, the imam of Nakhoda Masjid; Mudreka Jamali; Muavin Aamil of Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat; Jain monk Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj; Murli Punjabi, the leader of the Sindhi Panchayat; Arunjyoti Bhikku, director of the Tollygunge Sambodhi Buddhist Monastery, and Divakar Chaitanya of Chinmaya Mission are among members of the foundation.
"It is only through a concerted effort by all members of society, regardless of religion or ethnicity, which we can hope to create a Bengal where peace and tolerance reign," said the message issued on Wednesday.
