Human Rights panel and West Bengal Governor visit violence-hit Malda and Murshidabad

West Bengal: A National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) delegation reached Malda, West Bengal, on Friday to visit areas affected by recent violence linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The visit includes inspections in both Malda and Murshidabad districts, where unrest erupted on 11 April, resulting in three deaths, multiple injuries, and significant property damage.

On the same day, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose travelled from Sealdah Railway Station to Malda, where he is scheduled to inspect the affected locations and later proceed to Murshidabad. Governor Bose stated that the visit aims to provide him with an “objective view” of the situation. He added that Raj Bhavan would work closely with both the State and Central Governments to assist the victims. He also mentioned public requests for a BSF camp in the affected area.

The violence has displaced several families, some of whom have migrated to Jharkhand’s Pakur district, while others have taken shelter in relief camps set up in Malda.

On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court directed that central forces remain deployed in Murshidabad to ensure law and order and announced it would monitor the rehabilitation of affected families. The court also instructed political parties, including the BJP and TMC, to refrain from making provocative statements that could escalate tensions.

The NHRC and Governor’s visits signal heightened official attention to the violence, which has highlighted issues surrounding religious property legislation and communal tensions in the region.