The state of Bihar has been experiencing an explosion of inter-communal violence since the feast of the god Ram on Thursday March 30. Several Muslim neighborhoods were burned there and one person was killed.
It’s hard to know how it all started. According to some media, an idol of the god Ram was set on fire at the end of the religious festival of Ram Navami, celebrating the birthday of the Hindu deity. But processions by the Hindu fundamentalist group Bajrang Dal have also reportedly sought confrontation in Muslim neighborhoods. Anyway, several towns in the state of Bihar went up in flames this weekend, explains our correspondent in India, Como Bastin
On social networks, videos show ransacked Muslim neighborhoods, including a burnt mosque. “ They arrived and they burned everything, they stole everything from my house. The police were there, but did nothing against them. I do not have anything ! “Says a man from the city of Bihar Sharif, interviewed by several media. One person was shot dead Saturday in this city.
Local and federal governments blame each other
Those whom the inhabitant of Bihar Sharif designates are the Hindu extremists who often accompany festivals linked to the god Ram. Many therefore point the finger at the BJP in power, close to fundamentalist groups. Interior Minister Amit Shah, who had to cancel trips in view of the violence, held the Chief Minister of Bihar, a former ally, responsible on Sunday: ” We will never trust the government of Bihar again. In elections, vote overwhelmingly for the BJP. We’ll bring order to all these rioters “.
Tensions have also affected the neighboring state of West Bengal as well as six other Indian states. This Sunday, calm seems to have returned after several curfews and local internet cuts. Hundreds of riot police have been deployed in several areas. Nearly 100 people were arrested or remanded in custody after the violence, Bihar Sharif police chief said. But concern and political tension remain high.
(And with AFP)