Murshidabad violence: Atmosphere of fear persists even today, says NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar

NEW DELHI: NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has voiced serious concerns regarding the recent violent incidents in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, noting that residents continue to experience a pervasive sense of fear.
"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 stated.
Rahatkar reported numerous instances of women being molested in the aftermath of the unrest, with women and children bearing the brunt of the violence. She indicated her unsuccessful attempts to secure meetings with senior state officials.
"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 stated.

Daily activities are slowly returning to normal under heightened security measures in Murshidabad, following the violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11.
The unrest, which began in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district, resulted in three fatalities, numerous injuries, and substantial property destruction, causing thousands to abandon their homes.
The demonstrations subsequently expanded to other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, featuring incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.
In response to the violence, numerous families have relocated, with some moving to the Pakur district in Jharkhand, whilst others have found shelter in relief camps established in Malda.