Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Friday proceeded with his visit to Malda district, defying a formal request from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to delay the trip. The visit aims to assess the aftermath of the communal violence that erupted in Murshidabad district last week, particularly in the Muslim-majority areas of Shamsherganj, Suti, Dhulian, and Jangipur, during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The governor stated his visit was crucial to “meet the victims and verify field reports,” adding that he would inspect hospitals, residences, and relief camps. “The central forces and the state police are there together, and the situation will soon normalise,” Governor Bose told PTI. He added that he would send recommendations to the concerned authorities after completing his visit.
A Raj Bhavan official also hinted that the governor may extend his visit to include Murshidabad to personally assess the situation on the ground.
Over 270 Arrested Amid Ongoing Tension
The communal clashes on April 11 and 12 resulted in three fatalities and triggered mass displacement. Fearing for their safety, many local residents fled from the violence-hit areas to take shelter in neighbouring Malda district. Authorities have confirmed 274 arrests so far for involvement in rioting and vandalism, and a joint deployment of state police and paramilitary forces remains active to maintain peace.
NHRC Team Also Reaches Malda
In a parallel development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has dispatched a team to Malda to evaluate the conditions of displaced residents. The NHRC will document testimonies and living conditions in temporary relief camps, and its report will contribute to further recommendations on addressing the violence fallout.
Governor Bose’s proactive stance contrasts with the state government’s more cautious approach. The situation continues to escalate politically, as the incident feeds into ongoing tensions between the Trinamool Congress government and opposition parties, including the BJP, which have accused the state of law-and-order failure and appeasement politics.
