Pradeep Bhattacharya, president of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, said there should be an independent inquiry. “Police have become impatient and lost the ability to solve problems through discussions across the table,” he said.

He added that there could be a force working behind these incidents of violence which were sparking “riotous” situations.

Leader of Opposition Surya Kanta Mishra also underlined the need to resolve issues through discussion. “It is unfortunate that the present government doesn’t understand that its uncompassionate attitude will not find any solution to problems. The police, too, should realise that all problems are not solved by opening fire,” he said.

CPM heavyweight Md Salim termed it as a complete mishandling of the case. He said, “There should be a principle stand of the government which the rest should adhere to. The absence of such a stand shows the failure of the government and exposes the callousness with which the situation was dealt with. It is a pity that even after an all-party meeting, a firm decision was not reached. Situations like these benefit communal forces.”