Kolkata Police slams rumour-mongers, says no riot-like situation in Kolkata

Scotching rumours of riots in the city of joy, Kolkata Police has confirmed that situation is absolutely under control. The police's official handle tweeted: "Rumours are being spread about trouble in some areas of the city. This is absolutely false. Kolkata Police wishes to assure the citizens that the city is peaceful and there is no trouble anywhere. Rumours are being spread by people with ulterior motives. Don't pay heed to them. And dial 100 to inform us about rumour-mongers."

Rumours are being spread about trouble in some areas of the city.This is absolutely false.

— CP Kolkata (@KolkataPolice) April 6, 2017

Kolkata Police wishes to assure the citizens that the city is peaceful and there is no trouble anywhere.

— CP Kolkata (@KolkataPolice) April 6, 2017

Rumours are being spread by people with ulterior motives.Don't pay heed to them.And dial 100 to inform us about rumour-mongers.

— CP Kolkata (@KolkataPolice) April 6, 2017

Earlier messages forwarded on social media claimed that riots have broken out in the city. Message like, "Just been informed that riots have broken out in Metiabruz and the Army has been called in. Part effect in Kidderpore. Crowds gathering up at Park Circus. Please get home before things get out of control" were circulated. Now hopefully after Kolkata Police's clarification, social media will take a break.

The CPI(M) said the Mamata Banerjee government should hold detailed discussions to tackle "any communal tension" in the state and if needed, convene an all-party meeting. 

"We demand the state government discuss the matter in detail and if they are unable to handle the situation, they should call an all-party meeting. That was done before in the state and should be done again to counter any sort of communal tension. It is a highly alarming situation," party state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra said.

Mothers&daughters never carried arms in Bengal publicly in d name of religious processions. No religion must promote it. Impermissible. pic.twitter.com/UMTbWqnxCH

— Surjya Kanta Mishra (@SurjyaKMishra) April 5, 2017

His remarks came against the backdrop of RSS and BJP cadres taking out rallies with swords in the state on the occasion of Ram Navami yesterday. Mishra  alleged that the TMC government was "hand in glove" with the RSS as it was not taking any action against it for roping in children in the armed rallies. "Mothers, daughters and children never carried arms publicly in the name of religious processions in Bengal. No religion must promote it. Impermissible," he said.

Accusing the state government of not taking adequate steps against the RSS training camps and right wing groups operating in the state, Mishra said the politics of polarisation and violence is landing Bengal in an alarming situation. "Everyone is aware of the camps organised by the RSS and the kind of training that is imparted there. The state government, despite several complaints and warnings by our party, did not take any steps to stop it," he said.

Mishra cautioned the people against rumours and urged them to unite against the politics of polarisation. "We appeal to the people of the state not to get influenced by rumours and unite against the menace of communalism. Meetings and rallies calling for peace and harmony must be conducted throughout the state," he added.
Mishra appealed to all Left workers to join the rally convened by a section of the civil society on Friday against "the rise of majority communalism and the attack on democratic rights". 

With PTI inputs