"Atmosphere of fear persists even today": NCW Chairperson Rahatkar on Murshidabad violence

Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 22 (ANI): National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has expressed concern over the recent episodes of violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, noting that an "atmosphere of fear" is still affecting the region.
Rahatkar described the situation as "very bad", highlighting that large-scale violence had occurred, with houses being burnt and vandalised.
"The situation in Murshidabad is very bad. Large-scale communal violence has taken place - houses have been burnt and vandalised. An atmosphere of fear persists even today," she said.
The NCW Chairperson mentioned several cases of molestation of women that have emerged in the aftermath of the violence, noting that women and children were the worst affected by the events.
The NCW Chairperson shared that while she was unable to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, she had sought appointments with the State Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) to address the issue. However, these appointments were not granted, she added.
"Many cases of molestation of women have also come to light. Women and children are the worst affected. They have been displaced from their homes... I could not meet Mamata Banerjee, but I definitely sought appointments from the State Secretary and the DGP, but they did not oblige," Rahatkar said.
Meanwhile, everyday life gradually resumes amid tight security in Murshidabad after violence erupted in various areas during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11.
On April 11, violence reportedly began in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The protest escalated, leading to the killing of three people, injuries to several others, and property damage, forcing thousands to leave their homes for safer places.
The protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act spread across other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, and involved incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.
Following the violence, several families fled their homes. Many have migrated to the Pakur district in Jharkhand, while others are staying in relief camps set up in Malda. (ANI)