Attack on Ramkrishna Mission Ashram [Jalpaiguri, West Bengal]

(Reported as seen)

The peaceful sanctity of the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, was shattered on the night of May 19th, as unidentified miscreants launched a brazen attack on the revered institution. Armed with weapons, the assailants violently assaulted workers and Sadhus, leaving behind a trail of destruction and fear.

The harrowing ordeal, witnessed by those present at the Ashram, underscores the grave threat posed by such acts of violence and intimidation. One Sadhu, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted the chilling threats issued by the attackers, who sought to instill fear and forcibly seize control of the land on which the Ashram stands.

Local sources reveal a disturbing motive behind the attack, citing ongoing disputes over the ownership of the land on which the Ramkrishna Mission is building a school and Ashram. Despite the land being donated by a generous benefactor associated with the Mission, the valuable nature of the property has attracted the attention of individuals seeking to unlawfully seize it for their own gain.

As news of the attack spread, it ignited a storm of political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing Trinamool Congress (TMC)-backed elements of orchestrating the assault. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in West Medinipur, condemned the attack and pointed fingers at the TMC and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging a pattern of hostility towards Hindu institutions.

The gravity of the situation was not lost on Swami Shivapremananda Maharaj, the head of the Jalpaiguri Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, who described the attackers as armed thugs and promptly lodged a complaint with the Bhaktinagar Police Station.

Amidst the chaos and turmoil, the attack on the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard religious institutions and protect the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their faith or affiliation. It is imperative that the perpetrators of this heinous act are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice, and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless violence, there is a collective call for unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to upholding the values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.