“Darkest Hour Before Dawn”: Bengal Governor Heads To Violence-Hit Murshidabad

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has introduced an official go to to violence-hit Murshidabad, declaring his intent to “impose peace at any price.” The Governor is about to start a two-day ground-level evaluation as we speak, regardless of robust reservations from the state management, together with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

“I wish to go to Murshidabad,” Mr Bose stated in an interview with NDTV. “What transpired there’s surprising. Such cases ought to by no means have occurred. I desire a actuality verify on the sector. Peace have to be restored – and it will likely be, at any price.”

Mr Bose’s assertion, which comes simply forward of a Nationwide Fee for Ladies (NCW) fact-finding mission to the district, comes amid heightened rigidity and scrutiny. On Thursday, the Calcutta Excessive Courtroom heard a petition in search of an extension of the central forces’ deployment in Murshidabad and the switch of the probe to the Nationwide Investigation Company (NIA). The state submitted a report outlining an escalation of violence throughout anti-Waqf Act protests, stating that each civilians and police had been attacked by mobs wielding lethal weapons.

Mr Bose stated he had been frequently briefing authorities and would determine on submitting a report with the Ministry of Dwelling Affairs following his go to. “That is the darkest hour earlier than daybreak,” he stated. “As soon as I realise that peace has been restored, I would be the happiest particular person and make my report accordingly.”

Requested whether or not his go to was a prelude to recommending President’s Rule within the state, Bose was cautious to keep away from a direct response. “As Governor, I ought to be circumspect,” he stated. “I do not wish to talk about President’s Rule. It’s Mamata Banerjee’s opinion that I shouldn’t go. However I wish to. I’ve my very own means of functioning. I wish to assess issues myself.”

Chief Minister Banerjee, whereas claiming that normalcy was steadily returning, urged the Governor to postpone his go to.

“I’d request non-locals to not go to Murshidabad proper now. I’d attraction to the governor to attend for just a few extra days as confidence-building measures are underway. I may have gone there, however then others would have additionally stated they’d go to, however the scenario isn’t conducive now. An SIT has been shaped to analyze the unrest in Murshidabad. I’ll go to the district at an acceptable time. I’d request the governor to not go to the riot-hit district now,” Ms Banerjee stated.

The Calcutta Excessive Courtroom, which heard a state report on Thursday, instructed the formation of a three-member oversight panel together with representatives from the Nationwide Human Rights Fee, the West Bengal State Human Rights Fee, and the State Authorized Companies Authority. The panel will monitor the restoration of peace and the rehabilitation of displaced individuals within the district.

The state’s report claimed that the protests started peacefully on April 4 throughout police station areas in Jangipur however escalated dramatically on April 8, when a 5,000-strong mob blocked NH-12 at Umarpur. It described assaults on police with bricks, iron rods, sharp weapons, and firebombs, together with arson concentrating on authorities autos.

On April 11, contemporary violence was reported from Suti and Samsherganj, together with vandalism of private and non-private property. The police admitted to opening hearth at Sajur Extra in Suti in self-defence, with the intention to defend each officers and civilians.

Police have arrested 278 individuals throughout Murshidabad up to now. 

The Governor will start his journey from Malda, the place he’ll go to refugee camps housing these displaced by the communal violence. He’ll then proceed to the worst-affected areas in Murshidabad and is anticipated to return both Friday evening or Saturday morning.