Frosty Relations Sparked by Digha Evictions
The eviction of Odia traders at Digha beach in West Bengal triggered a tense standoff between Odisha and West Bengal, highlighting fragile interstate relations. The incident began when officials near the Jagannath Temple on Monday suddenly removed 50–60 Odia shopkeepers from Bhograi block in Balasore district.
These cottage entrepreneurs, who relied on roadside stalls for their livelihoods, were forced to leave abruptly, sparking outrage. “We begged to negotiate, but they wouldn’t listen,” said one affected trader, describing the sudden loss of his business.
Retaliatory Measures in Odisha
The eviction prompted an angry response in border hamlets of Odisha. Near Chandaneswar market, locals demanded that Bengali shopkeepers vacate within three days.
“Why should outsiders prosper here if they are hounding out our people?” questioned social worker Dilip Kamila, reflecting widespread local frustration.
The situation escalated with threats to halt supplies of minor minerals to West Bengal, adding further strain to the interstate relationship.
Authorities Call for Calm
Odia officials urged restraint. Sudhakar Nayak, Additional District Magistrate of Balasore, emphasized that any action would be taken against encroachments irrespective of origin and appealed to locals to maintain calm until court verdicts are delivered.
West Bengal Moves to Repair Relations
With tensions rising, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration acted quickly to defuse the crisis. Evicted Odia traders were called for a meeting and assured rehabilitation.
In a significant turnaround, the Trinamool Congress-supported sarpanch and Bhograi block representatives convened again to withdraw the earlier expulsion orders, signaling a move toward restoring cordiality. Police and administrative reports may pave the way for future proceedings aimed at maintaining peace along the border.
A Step Toward Interstate Harmony
The episode, which began as a tit-for-tat eviction, is now showing signs of resolution. Both states appear committed to repairing relations and ensuring that local disputes do not escalate into wider conflicts, balancing law enforcement with community harmony.