Congress MP Isha Khan Chaudhary demanded immediate deployment of paramilitary forces with police in the Mothabari area of the struggle affected Mothabari area of Malda district in West Bengal.
A senior police official said that at least 50 people have been arrested so far in connection with the clash between two communities on Thursday.
In a letter to Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Yadav on Saturday, Chaudhary said, “I request immediate deployment of police and paramilitary forces for patrolling on some routes to maintain peace and harmony.” He urged police officers to take quick and necessary action to restore peace and order.
Officials said that the state armed police and speedy action force (RAF) personnel are currently patrolling sensitive areas.
According to local people, the disturbance began on Thursday after passing a religious procession in Mothabari on Wednesday evening. There were arson, sabotage and attacks on people during the violence.
A police official said that four companies of the State Armed Police (SAP) and a large number of RAF personnel have been deployed in the affected area.
Officials said that internet services have been discontinued in Mothabadi and surrounding areas from Friday as a precaution. However, West Bengal minister and local MLA Sabina Yasmin said on Friday that prohibitory orders have not been implemented in the area due to the upcoming Ramnavami and Eid festival.
The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Malda to file an action report on violence by April 3.
