Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) -The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly criticized the West Bengal government over alleged attacks on Hindus during protests against the amended Waqf Act. Addressing a press conference in Siliguri on Tuesday, VHP’s Central Joint General Secretary Milind Parande demanded immediate cessation of violence, adequate compensation for victims, and stringent action against the perpetrators.

Parande claimed that in Murshidabad’s Dhuliyan area, several Bengali Hindus were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring Malda district due to targeted attacks. Drawing a stark comparison, he likened the situation to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir.

“The state government must act swiftly to restore law and order across Siliguri and other sensitive regions. If this violence continues unchecked, central intervention may become necessary,” warned Parande.

He also took aim at state ministers Firhad Hakim and Siddiqullah Chowdhury, describing their statements as provocative and insensitive. Reacting to Hakim’s remark that the Murshidabad incidents were “shocking but isolated,” Parande said, “Such comments are disgraceful and reflect the state government’s apathy towards Hindus.”

The VHP leader demanded that the state ensure protection for the Hindu community, provide compensation to those affected, and take strict legal action against the instigators of violence. He also called for the deployment of central forces in volatile regions like Dhuliyan, Suti, and Samsherganj.

Parande criticized Chowdhury for a controversial statement suggesting that the anti-Waqf protests would expand from districts to Kolkata. He urged legal action against the minister, accusing him of incitement.

Referring to Minister Firhad Hakim’s earlier appeal for protesters to target the Centre rather than state infrastructure, Parande alleged that certain forces were trying to divide Bengal’s population for political gain. He dismissed the state’s claim of opposing the Waqf amendments as insufficient, emphasizing the need for tangible action on the ground.

Extending wishes to the people of West Bengal on the occasion of Poila Boishakh, Parande concluded by expressing hope for peace and rule of law in the state. “The so-called ‘jihadist’ attacks on Hindus in the name of Waqf protests must be stopped immediately,” he said.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh