NCW visits violence-hit Murshidabad; Women demand permanent BSF camps, NIA probe

A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) reached Murshidabad’s Dhuliyan, Jafrabad, and Betbona on Saturday morning, where local women demanded the establishment of permanent BSF camps and an NIA probe into the violence-hit areas.

Women in the region said they were unable to sleep at night and feared torture and atrocities once central forces left. “We apprehend we will face torture and atrocities after the central forces leave,” said one woman.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, who led the three-member team, assured the women that all necessary help would be provided. “It is a precarious situation. It is unbearable to witness such a plight. We are here to listen to you and ensure support,” she said.

The NCW delegation visited Murshidabad after meeting displaced people in Malda’s Baishnabnagar on Friday.

In Jafrabad, a father-son duo—Hargobinda Das (72) and Chandan Das (40)—were brutally killed in their home. A West Bengal SIT is currently probing the case. NCW member Archana Majumdar said they would propose setting up small BSF camps in various areas to ensure women’s safety.

“What we saw that day still haunts us. We are living in constant fear. Once the BSF leaves, we fear fresh violence,” another woman said while recounting her ordeal.

The NCW team was accompanied by BJP MLA and social activist Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury. She said, “The Union Home Minister is directly monitoring the situation. We will send our report to the Ministry with recommendations. The suffering of these women is beyond words. Our report will highlight the hotspots where permanent security arrangements are needed.”

Meanwhile, a West Bengal Pradesh Congress delegation led by President Shuvankar Sarkar is also visiting Suti, Dhuliyan, and Samsherganj in Murshidabad. He is accompanied by AICC Secretary Amba Prasad and other party members.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose is also set to visit Dhuliyan and Jafrabad in Murshidabad today to meet the affected people. On Friday, he visited Malda, where several displaced families from Murshidabad are staying in a school-turned-relief camp.

Teams from the National Commissions for Women and Human Rights had also visited Malda on Friday.

Communal violence had broken out in Shamsherganj, Suti, Dhuliyan, and Jangipur on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leaving three people dead. Fearing more violence, many residents fled to neighbouring Malda.