'I want peace, like before': Cobbler opens shop 8 days after violence in Murshidabad

NEW DELHI: Eight days after violent clashes erupted in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, normalcy is gradually returning with security forces maintaining vigil in the Dhuliyan area.
While some businesses have reopened, Hindu-owned shops remain closed as residents continue to express concerns about potential unrest following incidents that led to multiple deaths.
Police have made a third arrest in connection with the murders of Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das during the recent violence. The accused, Injamul Haq, a local resident, allegedly tampered with and destroyed CCTV footage related to the incident.
A local cobbler, Shiva Ravidas, resumed business operations after an eight-day closure due to the unrest. However, he noted that while many shops in the market have reopened, those belonging to Hindu owners remained shuttered.
"I had opened shop last on the day of the violence, and after that, I have opened it today, after eight days. There was so much chaos. The shops opened in the market a few days ago, but shops belonging to Hindus remained closed. It was announced yesterday that shops can be opened since there is assurance of security by the police and forces," said Ravidas.
Ravidas expressed ongoing concerns about potential renewed unrest, describing the chaos during the violence. "Although I opened the shop, there is still a fear of chaos occurring again. On the day of the violence, the crowd came and gheraoed the police station here. Two or three people were murdered...the situation became unmanageable. Many people left their houses as well," he said.
"I want peace, like before. There shouldn't be any clashes," he added.
Assistant Director General of Police, South Bengal, Supratim Sarkar, confirmed that the State Special Task Force arrested Haq for attempting to disrupt the investigation by damaging local CCTV connections during the violence.
In response to the tense situation following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Act, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has welcomed the judiciary's decision to establish a committee.
The committee, comprising officials from the National Human Rights Commission and the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, will focus on rehabilitating and compensating victims of the violence.
Security forces continue to maintain their presence in the area to ensure law and order is preserved as the situation gradually stabilizes.