NEW DELHI: National commission for women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Sunday described the situation in Murshidabad as “very serious” following her visit to violence-hit areas in West Bengal. She called on the state government to act urgently to ensure the safety of women and children affected by the communal unrest. Rahatkar also had a meeting with West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose at Raj Bhavan.
“I have told the Governor about the condition of women and children. The situation is very serious and the West Bengal government should immediately take steps to ensure the safety and security of women in the state,” Rahatkar said.
She visited areas impacted by the April 11 violence in Murshidabad and Malda districts and was accompanied by an NCW inquiry committee. “Wherever I was going and talking to women, their anger would shake us… They have seen their dreams shattered, and they have lost everything,” Rahatkar said, recalling one woman who had just given birth four days before being forced to flee. “Instead of celebrating the occasion, they were forced to leave their homes.”
The unrest began during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Muslim-majority areas of Murshidabad. It escalated into mob violence that killed three, injured dozens, and displaced hundreds. Villagers have since sought refuge in relief camps, with many migrating to neighbouring Jharkhand’s Pakur district.
During her visit, Rahatkar met women who recounted harrowing tales of violence. “Their houses were set on fire and they were beaten badly, forcing them to leave their homes. What can a mother feel after looking at another mother who is roaming here and there in a (refugee) camp with her four-year-old child?” she asked. “She doesn't even know the future of her child.”
Calling the tragedy beyond politics, she said: “The responsibility of ensuring safety and justice lies with the West Bengal Government. This issue is above politics and must be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.”
Rahatkar confirmed the NCW is preparing a report for the Centre and state authorities. “Give them justice, wipe their tears, make arrangements for immediate compensation,” she urged the state government, adding that women in the area were calling for a Border Security Force camp for protection.
“I have told the Governor about the condition of women and children. The situation is very serious and the West Bengal government should immediately take steps to ensure the safety and security of women in the state,” Rahatkar said.
She visited areas impacted by the April 11 violence in Murshidabad and Malda districts and was accompanied by an NCW inquiry committee. “Wherever I was going and talking to women, their anger would shake us… They have seen their dreams shattered, and they have lost everything,” Rahatkar said, recalling one woman who had just given birth four days before being forced to flee. “Instead of celebrating the occasion, they were forced to leave their homes.”
The unrest began during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Muslim-majority areas of Murshidabad. It escalated into mob violence that killed three, injured dozens, and displaced hundreds. Villagers have since sought refuge in relief camps, with many migrating to neighbouring Jharkhand’s Pakur district.
During her visit, Rahatkar met women who recounted harrowing tales of violence. “Their houses were set on fire and they were beaten badly, forcing them to leave their homes. What can a mother feel after looking at another mother who is roaming here and there in a (refugee) camp with her four-year-old child?” she asked. “She doesn't even know the future of her child.”
Calling the tragedy beyond politics, she said: “The responsibility of ensuring safety and justice lies with the West Bengal Government. This issue is above politics and must be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.”
Rahatkar confirmed the NCW is preparing a report for the Centre and state authorities. “Give them justice, wipe their tears, make arrangements for immediate compensation,” she urged the state government, adding that women in the area were calling for a Border Security Force camp for protection.
You may also like
J&K: Soldier dies at Siachen Glacier
Ruben Amorim and Matheus Cunha's private moment speaks volumes as Man Utd 'eye transfer'
J&K flash floods: Schools, colleges to remain shut in Ramban on Monday amid ongoing rescue operations
Hezbollah member killed in Israeli airstrike on Lebanon
Keir Starmer sparks fears of witch hunt against British Troubles veterans
