West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has initiated a two-day visit to the violence-affected districts of Malda and Murshidabad, despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s appeal to defer the trip until normalcy is restored. The unrest, which erupted on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, has led to fatalities, injuries, and widespread property damage.
Governor’s Visit
Governor Bose commenced his journey on Thursday night, arriving in Malda on Friday morning. He is expected to meet with displaced individuals and assess the situation firsthand. In Malda, he visited a relief camp housing those who fled the violence in Murshidabad. Bose emphasized his commitment to restoring peace, stating, “I am going to the field… Peace must be restored – and it will be, at any cost.”
Following his visit to Malda, the Governor plans to proceed to Murshidabad to meet victims, visit hospitals, and engage with local officials and law enforcement agencies. He intends to submit a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs after his assessment.
Chief Minister’s Appeal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had urged the Governor to postpone his visit, citing ongoing confidence-building measures and the presence of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the unrest. She expressed concerns that the Governor’s visit might exacerbate tensions, stating, “I would request non-locals not to visit Murshidabad right now… I will visit the district at an appropriate time.”
National Commission for Women Involvement
Simultaneously, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has dispatched a fact-finding team to Murshidabad to investigate reports of violence against women during the unrest. The NCW aims to ensure accountability and support for affected individuals.
Conclusion
Governor Bose’s visit underscores the state’s commitment to addressing the crisis and restoring order. The situation remains fluid, with authorities working to stabilize the affected regions and provide assistance to those impacted by the violence.