Amid the unrest in Murshidabad over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has initiated official communication with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the current situation in Murshidabad, sources said.
Raj Bhawan sources said that in the report, the Governor has also appraised the Centre about the communication that he has had with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in this regard.
A detailed report regarding the law and order situation in Murshidabad by the Governor’s core team — including information passed on by the state administration — has been prepared and sent to the Ministry.
At least three people were killed, several others injured and a number of shops torched after protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent in the Suti and Samserganj blocks of Murshidabad district. A large number of people have fled these areas since the violence began on Friday, April 11.
Following the outbreak of violence, the Governor had sought a detailed report from the state administration on how it is tackling the situation, directing them to take “bold action”. “The situation where vested interests foment trouble cannot be tolerated and should be curbed,” a Raj Bhavan statement had read.
The Governor in a video statement had said, “Let me tell the miscreants, (we are going to) take a no-nonsense approach against the violence and the criminals, and none will be allowed to take the law into their hands.” He also said in Bengali: “Sangharsh, himsa hobe na cholbe na (there should not be any clash or violence).”
Furthermore, the Governor has directed the Indian Red Cross Society to take to the streets to provide aid in the troubled areas. This was announced from the Governor’s official X handle on Monday.
Dr S K Patnaik, who is the chairman of the society, and Sandeep Rajput, have been appointed as nodal officers by the Rapid Action Cell of the Raj Bhawan.
The Red Cross has also provided emergency helpline numbers: they are 9732524377 and 8013344318.
On Saturday, a special division bench of Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of Central forces in the area after hearing a plea by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.