Kolkata, Oct. 9 -- MAITC Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam has approached the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, raising concerns over the prolonged disruption of drinking water supply in Jyotinagar Colony in north Kolkata's Cossipore, which has allegedly left around 5,000 residents struggling for nearly two months.
In his letter, Islam described the situation as an "urgent humanitarian and human rights concern" and urged the UN's relevant mechanisms to seek an explanation from the authorities, ensure immediate relief and facilitate the restoration of a permanent water supply.
The MP alleged that the pipeline connection was disrupted following the BJP's victory in the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections. He further claimed that the predominantly Muslim residents were being discriminated against because they had not voted for the BJP.
Citing the internationally recognised right to safe and clean drinking water, Islam argued that the crisis went beyond a municipal or infrastructure issue. "Drinking water is not a favour. It is not charity. It is a basic necessity for survival and an internationally recognised human right," he wrote. Residents have reportedly been relying on irregular water tankers and the Ganga to meet their daily needs, raising concerns over health and safety. They have alleged discrimination, pointing to functioning water taps in neighbouring Hindu-majority areas.
Residents have linked the crisis to remarks attributed to local BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari about refusing to work for
Muslims who did not vote for him. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.