Bengal CM Mamata again appeals for peace and religious harmony.

Chief minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee on Monday for the second time in three days appealed for peace and religious harmony and urged the people not to indulge in irreligious activities.

“One shouldn’t play irreligious games with religion. Dharma means devotion, affection, humanity, peace, amity, culture, harmony, and unity. Loving human beings is one of the highest expressions of any religion. We are born alone and we die alone; so why the fight? Why the riots, war, or unrest?’’ the chief minister said while inaugurating the Kalighat skywalk at Kalighat in Kolkata on Monday evening.

The Chief Minister’s appeal came amid a spate of communal violence in parts of Murshidabad district — including Suti, Dhuliyan, and Samsherganj — following protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, which resulted in three deaths.

“Remember, one can win everything if we love people. But if we isolate ourselves, we won’t be able to win against anyone. If someone is attacked – whether they are ignored, oppressed, deprived, marginalised, or from any religion – we stand by everyone,” the chief minister said at a time when there were reports of fresh violence from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district.

“Everyone has the right to hold peaceful protests with permission. But I appeal to everyone

irrespective of who they are – to not take law into their hands. We have custodians of the law; we do not need those who operate outside it. This is why I request that when someone tries to incite you, do not fall for the trap. Those who keep their mind calm amid all provocation are the real winners. That is a real victory…”, the chief minister said.

Mamata Banerjee has expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the swift construction of the Kalighat skywalk, recalling her earlier pledge to replicate the Dakshineswar model.

“Thank you for completing this skywalk in such a short time. We had extensive discussions with hawkers. When the skywalk at Dakshineswar was built, I took a pledge to build one at Kalighat too. The hawkers will be relocated to Hazra Park. The state government also contributed significantly to the restoration work“, the chief minister said.

The Kalighat Skywalk spans 435 metres in length and 10.5 metres in width, equipped with two escalators, three lifts, and three stairways. The main entry and exit points are located at S.P. Mukherjee Road, Hazra Road, and Kalighat Road, allowing visitors access from three different locations. The entire area has been illuminated with carefully planned lighting. A dedicated hawker’s corner has also been created, complete with air conditioning as per their request. Additionally, shops have been set up along the skywalk for the convenience of devotees.

Team Maverick