Murshidabad Unrest: NCW Delegation Arrives in Bengal to Assess Relief Efforts
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Synopsis
The NCW team, led by Chairperson Vijaya K. Rahatkar, is set to visit a relief camp in Malda, West Bengal to assess the impact of violence in Murshidabad. They aim to engage with affected women and gather firsthand information about the situation.
Key Takeaways
- NCW delegation visits Malda relief camp
- Engagement with women affected by Murshidabad violence
- Governor Bose's visit to the troubled district
- Continued deployment of CAPF personnel
- Possibility of NIA investigation into the violence
Kolkata, April 18 (NationPress) A delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW), headed by Chairperson Vijaya K. Rahatkar, is set to visit a relief camp in Malda district of West Bengal on Friday to engage with individuals impacted by the violence in the nearby Murshidabad district.
The displaced individuals, all belonging to the Hindu community, were forced to leave their homes due to the unrest stemming from protests against the Waqf Act.
The NCW team arrived in Kolkata late Thursday night and is expected to reach the relief camp in Malda on Friday afternoon, where they will interact with the displaced populace from Murshidabad.
Chairperson Rahatkar has indicated that while the commission has received prior reports detailing the violence against women in Murshidabad, the team aims to connect directly with the affected women to gather firsthand accounts.
“Media reports have highlighted the atrocities committed against women in violence-affected regions of West Bengal during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. The women are living in fear. We will visit the site in Malda to assess the situation. Although we have the reports, it is essential to speak directly with the women, as violence against women is intolerable and must be prevented,” stated Rahatkar.
The NCW delegation is also scheduled to meet with the district magistrate and police superintendent of Murshidabad to discuss ongoing administrative measures aimed at restoring normalcy and confidence among the local populace.
In the meantime, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose arrived in Murshidabad late Thursday and plans to visit various troubled areas throughout Friday while engaging with the affected residents.
The Governor's decision to visit Murshidabad came despite a recommendation from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to delay his visit until the situation stabilizes.
On Thursday evening, relief was provided to the residents of Murshidabad as a special division bench mandated the ongoing presence of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) until further notice.
Regarding the potential for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, the special division bench confirmed that the Union government possesses sufficient legal authority to initiate such an investigation.
“In any case, the Central Government is empowered under Section 6(5) to direct an NIA investigation if it believes that scheduled offenses warrant such scrutiny as per the NIA Act of 2008,” cited the order from the special division bench.
