NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo Critiques West Bengal's Handling of Communal Violence
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Synopsis
Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the NHRC, criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for failing to protect citizens amid recent communal violence. He raised concerns over targeted attacks on Hindu families and announced an NHRC team's visit to assess the situation in Murshidabad, following Calcutta High Court directives.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo criticizes Mamata Banerjee.
- Recent communal clashes have resulted in fatalities.
- Hindu families reportedly facing targeted violence.
- NHRC team dispatched to assess the situation.
- Calcutta High Court involved in oversight.
Bhopal/Kolkata, April 19 (NationPress) The member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Priyank Kanoongo, criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday, asserting that her administration has failed to ensure the safety of the state's citizens.
Kanoongo made these comments in light of recent communal clashes in West Bengal, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals (a father and son) just days prior.
He claimed that Hindus are being targeted, leading to numerous families being compelled to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.
In a conversation with IANS, Kanoongo revealed that a team from the NHRC, including a senior IPS officer of Director General rank, has been dispatched to the riot-affected Murshidabad district to evaluate the situation on the ground.
This NHRC team will visit Murshidabad in compliance with directives from the Calcutta High Court.
"In adherence to the Calcutta High Court's instruction, a team from NHRC is en route to the riot-impacted Murshidabad district, and clarifications will emerge post-assessment. However, initial reports indicate that Hindu families are under siege. This reflects a total failure of the state administration," stated Kanoongo.
He added that the NHRC team intends to engage with individuals in the riot-stricken Murshidabad district, including those at rehabilitation centers where Hindu families have sought safety out of fear for their lives. A comprehensive report will be submitted to the Calcutta High Court.
"While I refrain from commenting on political matters, I must emphasize that if the state government cannot safeguard its citizens, and individuals are persecuted based on their religious identities, it underscores a significant administrative failure," Kanoongo remarked.
Reports indicate that the communal violence in Murshidabad was allegedly tied to ongoing protests against the Waqf Amendment Act.
On April 15, two individuals—a father and son—were discovered with multiple stab wounds inside their residence in Jafrabad, located in the violence-affected Samserganj area.
In the aftermath of the clashes, the Calcutta High Court mandated the deployment of Central forces in the riot-affected regions of the state.
The court has also ordered both the Central and state governments to provide reports on the situation.
It is worth noting that the Waqf Amendment Bill-2025, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament and subsequently received the President's assent, became law on April 5.
