Trinamool MP seeks UN intervention in 'drinking water denial' to Muslims in Kolkata

Trinamool Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam has written to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, seeking intervention over Muslim residents of a colony in Kolkata allegedly being deprived of drinking water following a prolonged disruption in supply.

Sharing the letter in an X post, Samirul alleged that drinking water supply to Jyoti Nagar Colony was cut off after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal.

"As the BJP came to power, the drinking water supply in Jyoti Nagar Colony in Kolkata was cut off, because the residents are Muslims and are not considered part of the BJP's so-called vote bank," he said.

Samirul said he had written to the UN human rights chief seeking intervention in the matter.

The TMC MP described the situation as a matter of basic human rights, arguing that prolonged deprivation of adequate drinking water could not be treated as a mere civic services issue.

Citing the United Nations' recognition of access to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right, Samirul said the crisis had implications for residents' rights to health, dignity and an adequate standard of living.

"The residents have not asked for a privilege or a special benefit. They are asking for access to something indispensable for their survival," he said in the letter.

The MP also warned that the absence of drinking water could lead to widespread disease and affect the health of thousands of people, particularly those from poor and underprivileged sections.

He urged the relevant UN human rights mechanisms to take note of the situation and seek information from the authorities concerned on the reasons for the alleged prolonged failure to provide an adequate and regular supply of drinking water to the colony's residents.