Ananda Bose visits Murshidabad conflict zone; listens to complaints from those in camps 

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Governor Dr. CV Ananda Bose visited Murshidabad, Malda, Dulian, and Jangipur, areas where protests against the Waqf Amendment Act turned violent. He arrived in the riot-hit areas on Friday for a two-day visit, rejecting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s request to avoid the trip. He visited the homes of Harogobindo Das and Chandan Das, a father and son killed in the riots, and consoled their families. He also met women and children living in camps in Murshidabad and Malda, listening to their complaints and pains. The camp residents asked for security, employment, and compensation, and requested constant protection from the Central Army. After hearing their concerns, Ananda Bose consulted with officials and social workers in the area. He assured those in the camps that all necessary steps would be taken to restore normal life. A report may be submitted to the Union Home Ministry. Three people were killed and many injured in the riots from April 8 to 12, and more than 275 attackers were arrested. Meanwhile, members of the National Human Rights Commission also visited Murshidabad.

Ananda Bose said no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands and that violence will be suppressed at any cost. He called the events in some parts of Bengal shocking and unfortunate, saying they should never happen. It is the rulers’ primary responsibility to prevent such incidents. He described violence and corruption as cancers eating away at Bengal and said fighting them is also a fight to protect the Constitution. There will be no compromise on this. Bose added that he does not want to discuss President’s rule at this time.