Life in minority pockets across Kolkata has undergone a dramatic shift following the recent election results. Bike-borne miscreants riding through Muslim neighborhoods while chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' have instilled a deep sense of fear and unease among residents.
Incidents in South Tangra
In the south Tangra neighborhood, the situation escalated into volatility on Tuesday night when a mob chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' attacked a Trinamool Congress (TMC) office and targeted motorcycles and houses belonging to minority community members. As TMC workers gathered in large numbers, the situation threatened to spiral out of control. Local MLA Javed Khan arrived just in time and managed to de-escalate the tension.
Community Response
A dhaba owner, whose establishment typically attracted motorists for tea at night, contacted some of his Muslim customers and urged them to avoid visiting for the time being due to the prevailing tension. Additionally, an advisory circulated on WhatsApp groups cautioned members to avoid arguments and stay away from crowded gatherings.
Shafkat Alam, who runs an NGO in the Topsia-Tiljala belt, reported that two Muslim toughs switched allegiance from TMC to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a day after the results and began leading bike gangs into minority-dominated localities while shouting 'Jai Shri Ram'.
Impact in North Kolkata
In north Kolkata's Belgachhia area, Muslim youths, including delivery executives, have stopped venturing into Paikpara after dark following an incident where a person was beaten on results day.
The atmosphere of fear has significantly altered daily life, with residents taking precautions to avoid potential confrontations. Local leaders and community members are urging calm and restraint to prevent further escalation.
