BSF Emerges as a Protector for Women in Riot-Affected Murshidabad: NCW Chair
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Synopsis
The BSF has emerged as a crucial protector for women in Murshidabad, West Bengal, during recent communal unrest. NCW chairperson Vijaya K Rahatkar highlighted the women's gratitude for BSF's intervention amidst the turmoil sparked by protests against the Waqf Act.
Key Takeaways
- BSF's role in protecting women in Murshidabad.
- NCW's acknowledgment of women's fears during the unrest.
- Call for permanent BSF camps in affected areas.
- Concerns over the timing of CAPF deployment.
- Political implications regarding the NCW and NHRC visits.
Kolkata, April 20 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has stepped in as a protector for the women in the minority-majority Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which has been experiencing unrest due to communal violence stemming from protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, as stated by Vijaya K Rahatkar, chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), on Sunday.
In her interactions with the media, she emphasized that the appreciation for the BSF came directly from the women in the affected areas of Murshidabad, whom she and an NCW team met during their visit over the past few days.
Although outbreaks of communal violence began in some areas of Murshidabad on April 8, the BSF was only deployed on April 12 after a special division bench of the Calcutta High Court mandated the immediate presence of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore order.
The bench noted that had the deployment of CAPF occurred sooner, the circumstances would not have escalated to such a “serious” and “unstable” state.
During the recent visit, Rahatkar observed the palpable fear and distress among the women in the affected regions of Murshidabad.
“Everywhere we went, the women expressed their terror and pain. They insisted that their lives were ultimately safeguarded due to the presence of BSF personnel. Their aspirations were crushed. The predominant question they raised was why they endured such injustices without any wrongdoing on their part,” said the NCW chair.
Rahatkar further mentioned that the NCW would compile a comprehensive report for the Union government based on their observations.
On Saturday, while the NCW delegation explored different affected areas in Murshidabad, the local women advocated for the establishment of permanent BSF camps in their neighborhoods.
The NCW members assured them that they would raise this matter with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
In the meantime, Kunal Ghosh, the state general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, remarked that the two central commissions, NCW and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), who visited Murshidabad, were merely fulfilling the agenda of the BJP.
