The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Vijaya Rahatkar, has called on the West Bengal government to take urgent and decisive measures in Murshidabad, where violent clashes recently erupted in connection with the amended Waqf Act.
During her visit to the affected regions, Rahatkar interacted with several women who have been displaced and traumatised by the unrest, pressing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to prioritise their safety, justice, and rehabilitation.
Addressing the crisis without naming Mamata directly, Rahatkar made a strong appeal, stating that it was the responsibility of the state’s leadership to stand by the women of Murshidabad who have endured deep suffering and forced displacement.
She questioned how long these women and children would continue to remain homeless and without protection, demanding swift action to restore normalcy and resettle the affected families.
Rejecting allegations made by Mamata Banerjee that the violence was politically motivated and orchestrated by the BJP and RSS, Rahatkar clarified that her visit was not driven by politics but by the NCW’s mandate to protect the rights of women. She stressed that ensuring women’s safety is a constitutional duty of the state government, regardless of political affiliations.
Rahatkar confirmed that the NCW will submit a comprehensive report to the Union government based on their observations and interactions on the ground. The report will highlight the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for intervention.
During visits to localities such as Dhulian and Shamsherganj, NCW members listened to the grievances of several women who criticised the administration for inaction and demanded a permanent security presence in the form of a Border Security Force (BSF) camp.
Many expressed frustration with welfare schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar, saying they do not address their fundamental need for safety.
Sharing the emotional accounts of the victims, Rahatkar described the devastation faced by the displaced. In one case, a woman who had just given birth had to flee with her newborn to escape the violence. Victims widely credited the BSF with saving their lives amid the chaos, as many homes were destroyed, leaving families in a state of uncertainty and despair.
Despite government efforts to assist those affected, local reports suggest that a significant number of people remain homeless, having fled to areas across the Ganges or to neighbouring Malda district. The situation has raised growing concern over the continuing humanitarian emergency in the region.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also dispatched representatives to assess the situation on the ground. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C.V. Anand Bose proceeded with a visit to the violence-hit areas, despite a request from Mamata Banerjee to postpone it.
His visit drew strong criticism from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accusing the Governor and the visiting commissions of exploiting the crisis for political gain.
Ghosh likened the current events to the Sandeshkhali episode, alleging a pattern of political strategy aimed at undermining the state government.
Also Read: Governor ignores Mamata’s request, visits Malda relief camps
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