Siliguri Witnesses Violent Confrontation as Tribal Rights Protest Escalates
Siliguri descended into chaos on Thursday as fierce clashes erupted between law enforcement officers and members of the Janajati Suraksha Manch. The protesters were marching towards Uttarkanya, the state government's north Bengal secretariat, to demand justice for a tribal woman who was seven months pregnant and allegedly assaulted in Phansidewa in December of last year. Tragically, her newborn later died, fueling the outrage that led to the demonstration.
Protest Turns Violent at Teenbatti More
The situation escalated dramatically at Teenbatti More on the Asian Highway when police established barricades to halt the advancing rally. Some protesters, reportedly armed with traditional weapons such as bows, arrows, and swords, attempted to force their way through the police lines, leading to initial scuffles. As tensions mounted, protesters allegedly began hurling stones and water bottles at the police forces. They also set tyres ablaze at multiple points along the road, causing massive traffic congestion across the highway and adjoining areas, disrupting normal life in Siliguri.
Police Response and Detentions
In response to the escalating violence, police deployed water cannons and fired tear gas shells in an effort to disperse the crowd. When protesters refused to retreat, officers resorted to a baton charge to bring the volatile situation under control. Authorities confirmed that approximately 8 to 10 protesters were detained during the operation as part of efforts to restore order.
Root Cause: Alleged Assault and Police Inaction
The protest stems from a deeply troubling incident that occurred on December 23, 2025, at Jalas Nizamtara Gram Panchayat. The tribal woman was allegedly attacked over a land dispute, and her subsequent newborn's death has been a focal point of the demonstration. The Janajati Suraksha Manch, alleging police inaction following the infant's death, organized the 'Uttarkanya Abhiyan' to press for justice. Among the protesters were BJP MLAs and political leaders, highlighting the political dimensions of the issue.
Political Reactions and Official Statements
Phansidewa BJP MLA Durga Murmu, who participated in the protest, expressed strong condemnation. "I am a tribal MLA. A pregnant tribal woman was attacked over a land dispute. Her newborn child later died. We are protesting against this injustice. The police took no concrete action, and we strongly condemn this," Murmu stated.
Dabgram-Fulbari BJP MLA Shikha Chatterjee criticized the police response, saying, "The police are not doing their job. When we tried to hold a peaceful rally, the police responded with force. Even with a woman CM in the state, women are not safe."
In contrast, Darjeeling SP Pratiksha Jharkharia provided an official perspective, refuting allegations of police negligence. She confirmed that four persons had been arrested in connection with the alleged assault case. Jharkharia explained that the investigating officer noted the delivery was premature and the baby weighed approximately 1 kg. "An inquiry was conducted within 15 days of the incident. Facts surrounding the case were being distorted. It was also found that the land was government property and did not belong to either of the parties," she asserted, aiming to clarify the investigative findings.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions over tribal rights and land disputes in the region, with the violent clashes in Siliguri drawing attention to broader issues of justice and law enforcement accountability.
