Mamata to visit violence-hit Murshidabad spots in May
Times of India | 23 April 2025
123 Kolkata/Goaltore: CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she would visit troubled areas in Murshidabad in the first week of May to evaluate the situation, while holding "outsiders" responsible for the violence that erupted over amendments to the waqf act.
"The violence was unfortunate. None of us want riots. But it happened in two wards of Murshidabad, including Dhuliyan. Some outsiders orchestrated it, along with some locals. We will soon expose the conspirators," the CM said at an administrative programme in Midnapore.
At least three people, including a father and son, died and over 300 were arrested in connection with the violence.
Banerjee promised the families of the deceased compensation of Rs 10 lakh each. "Our MPs said they will take responsibility for the children's education. If necessary, govt can also take responsibility," she said.
On Sunday, a Trinamool delegation led by Jangipur MP Khalilur Rahaman and Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam spent over 30 minutes at the Jafrabad home of Haragobindo Das and Chandan Das, who were killed in the violence. They spoke to Haragobindo's widow Rita and Chandan's widow Pompa and promised to fund the education of Chandan's three children.
Banerjee said: "Those whose houses were destroyed will have new homes built under the Banglar Bari scheme. We are also surveying the damage done to shopkeepers."
On April 17, Banerjee had appealed to Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose and political functionaries not to visit Murshidabad then, citing it could hamper peace and confidence-building measures.
"I could have also gone, but I'm not going now for a reason. If I go, how can I stop others? I will go at the right time. I request the governor and others to wait a few more days," she had said at a press conference at Nabanna.
Bose, however, visited violence-hit areas on April 18 and met the Das family, assuring them of all possible support.