West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose Visits Malda and Murshidabad Following Waqf Act-Linked Violence:

The Malda and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal were recently visited by Governor ’C. V. Ananda’ from the 1st of April to the 2nd of April. Over the past few months, these areas have experienced severe violence due to the enforcement of the Waqf Amendment Act.

Ananda’s intentions for the visit were “to bring normality regardless of the efforts needed.” He faced the ire of the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, as well as the rest of the Trinamool Congress.

ANI reported that he planned to visit the region for two days at a time. Also planned was the visit to the Muladi refugee camps at Murshidabad.

The Governor in an interview said, “The issue in Murshidabad is quite concerning. We cannot allow a situation like this to continue repeating itself. There have to be some tangible steps taken to mitigate violence around the area.” Bose made sure to explain that these types of situations perpetuating cannot occur anymore.

The Calcutta High Court one day prior started hearing a new request that was calling for the expansion of central police units to Murshidabad and an NIA team to take charge of the case.

The state government of West Bengal stated in regard to the inquiry that the violence which was against the Waqf Act saw far greater violence such as civilians and police being armed and assaulted before violence worsening.

The Governor's visit comes before the scheduled trip by the National Commission for Women's fact-finding team to the region. “This is the darkest hour before dawn,” he stressed while declaring, “Once I confirm peace is back, I will prepare a report for the Ministry of Home Affairs.”

On Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked the Governor not to go ahead with his itinerary as he was visiting the region, claiming that confidence-building measures were in progress along with the situation improving.

“There is an ongoing SIT probe regarding the incident so I will only travel to the district when it’s most suitable. Conditions are not yet stable. I appeal to people from outside to refrain from coming to Murshidabad at this time,” she said.

However, Governor Bose chose not to delay his visit, explaining, “I have to witness for myself. The situation is under control now but far more needs to be done to avoid a recurrence. A BSF camp is required in the area, the locals have urged.”

The recommendation made by the Calcutta High Court was to create a three-member supervisory board with the NHRC, West Bengal Human Rights Commission, and the State Legal Services Authority to enhance oversight over the rehabilitation program.

According to the report submitted by the state to the High Court, the protesters started off peacefully on the 4th of April but escalated into violence by the 8th when 5000 block NH-12 at Umarpur.

The report talked about attacks on law enforcement officers with bricks, rods, and firebombs, in addition to setting government property ablaze. New incidents of violence erupted on April 11 in Suti and Samsherganj, consisting of damage to both public and private property.

Police reported they were compelled to discharge their firearms at Sajur More in Suti for defensive reasons. 278 individuals have been arrested in the district of Murshidabad in relation to the violent confrontations which have resulted in 3 deaths and numerous injuries.