Basirhat violence: Nobel laureate Amartya Sen concerned over communal flare-up

The noted economist said West Bengal has a tradition of communal harmony where Hindus and Muslims lived together.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen expressed concern on Monday over the communal riot in Basirhat and said it has to be seen why it has happened in West Bengal which has a tradition of communal harmony.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen said the reasons behind communal flare-ups need to be found. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

“Communal flare up is a matter of concern. It has to be found out whether it has happened due to provocation by some,” he said in Kolkata.

He said West Bengal has a tradition of communal harmony where Hindus and Muslims lived together. “We have to think why it has happened. We have to think how we can check it.”

Violence had erupted between two communities at Basirhat sub-division in North 24 Paraganas district last week over an objectionable Facebook post.