Murshidabad Residents Block Highway in Angry Protest Over Migrant Safety
Local residents in Murshidabad, West Bengal, took to the streets on Friday in a dramatic protest against alleged attacks on migrant workers from their district. They blocked National Highway 12 and set tyres on fire, creating significant traffic disruptions on this crucial route.
Highway Blockade Causes Major Traffic Chaos
Protesters began blocking the highway at Maheshpur in the Beldanga 1 area from 9 am. This key route connects northern and southern cities of West Bengal. The blockade led to severe traffic snarls that affected commuters throughout the day.
A senior police officer confirmed the situation. He said the protest created major problems for traffic movement. The highway serves as a vital artery for transportation across the state.
Protesters Voice Grievances About Migrant Treatment
Demonstrators expressed deep frustration about how migrants from Murshidabad face repeated attacks in other states. They claimed these workers encounter unsafe conditions simply for speaking Bengali.
"Migrants from Murshidabad are being branded as Bangladeshis outside West Bengal," one protester stated angrily. "They face atrocities just for speaking their native language. We demand exemplary punishment for those involved in such attacks."
Death of Migrant Worker Sparks Outrage
The protest gained momentum following news about the death of a Murshidabad native. This individual had migrated to Jharkhand for work. His death became the immediate trigger for Friday's demonstration.
Protesters presented three clear demands to authorities:
- Strict action against those responsible for attacks on migrant workers
- Immediate compensation for the victim's family
- A permanent administrative mechanism to ensure safety for migrant labourers from Murshidabad
Police Negotiations Fail to Disperse Crowd
Senior police officials reached the protest site quickly. They held multiple rounds of talks with demonstrators. Their goal was to clear the highway and restore normal traffic flow.
However, protesters refused to disperse. They insisted that senior administrative officials must visit the site personally. They wanted concrete assurances about their demands before ending the blockade.
The standoff continued as authorities tried to negotiate a resolution. The protest highlighted growing concerns about the safety of migrant workers from West Bengal working in other Indian states.
