wb-ncw-to-visit-strife-hit-malda-murshidabad

Amid the ongoing communal unrest in West Bengal, a high-level delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is set to visit the state to investigate the recent incidents of violence, particularly focusing on the impact on women.

 

The NCW announced the formation of a four-member fact-finding team, led by its Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, to assess the situation.

 

The delegation is expected to arrive in Kolkata on Thursday evening, before proceeding to the violence-hit Malda and Murshidabad on April 18 and 19 respectively.

 

The Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the reports of violence and alleged atrocities against women in the affected areas. The decision to dispatch a team was made by the chairperson herself, expressing the Commission’s concern over the safety and dignity of women caught in the crossfire of political and religious unrest.

 

 

On Friday, the NCW team will travel to Parlalpur in Malda, where several women who reportedly fled and have taken shelter. The delegation will interact with these women to hear their accounts directly. Additionally, the team is scheduled to meet with the district magistrate and superintendent of police of Malda to discuss the administrative response and measures taken for the victims' protection and rehabilitation.

 

Next day, the delegation will visit Shamsherganj and Dhulian in Murshidabad, two areas reported to be among the worst affected during the recent unrest. There, the NCW team aims to assess the on-ground situation, meet with victims and review the security environment, particularly with regard to women and children.

 

Meetings with the DM and SP of Murshidabad are also scheduled as part of the fact-finding mission.

 

The Commission stated that it is committed to ensuring justice for the affected women and holding those responsible accountable. The NCW's visit is seen as a crucial intervention in the wake of increasing political tension and disturbing reports from ground zero.

 

This move comes in the backdrop of growing national attention on the law and order situation in Bengal and the handling of the unrest by both state and central authorities.