A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, visited the violence-affected areas of Murshidabad in West Bengal on Saturday, meeting with victims of the recent riots and ensuring them that the central government would take necessary action to secure their safety. The NCW delegation also expressed deep concern over the inhuman suffering experienced by the displaced people. The violence erupted during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, with the affected families—mostly Hindu residents—forced to flee their homes in the aftermath. Several women from these communities shared their harrowing experiences with the NCW team, voicing concerns over the safety of their families. They also called for the establishment of permanent BSF camps in certain areas of the district and demanded a thorough investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the communal clashes. Vijaya Rahatkar, upon meeting with the victims, described the situation as deeply distressing. She said, “The suffering these people are going through is inhuman. We will ensure their demands are put before the government." The NCW team also visited a relief camp in Malda district, where many of the displaced families are currently sheltered. During the visit, Rahatkar emphasized the NCW's commitment to addressing the atrocities against women in the affected areas, stating, “We came to know from media reports that atrocities have been done against women... and these things should not happen."

Suo Motu Action Taken by NCW

The Commission took suo motu cognizance of reports of molestation and harassment of women amid the communal violence in Murshidabad. In a statement issued earlier this week, the NCW confirmed that an Inquiry Committee had been set up to investigate the violence, which had led to a large exodus of families from the affected areas.

West Bengal Governor Visits Riot-Hit Areas

In a parallel development, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose is set to visit the riot-hit areas of Shamsherganj and other towns in Murshidabad on Saturday. Despite requests from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to refrain from visiting the district until the situation stabilizes, the Governor decided to proceed with the visit to personally assess the aftermath of the violence.

Political Reactions and Protests

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, is organizing a ‘Save Bengali Hindus’ rally in Kolkata later today. The rally, which will take place at the ancestral residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, aims to protest the violence in Muslim-majority areas of Murshidabad, which saw clashes between April 8-12. At least three people have died in the violence, and more than 270 arrests have been made.

Compensation and Support for Victims

In response to the violence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and promised housing support under the Banglar Bari scheme for those who lost their homes in the violence. As the investigation into the Murshidabad riots continues, both the NCW and state authorities are taking measures to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The tragic events have sparked a broader political debate, with calls for both accountability and greater protections for women in conflict zones.