Bengal Governor Turns Down Mamata's Request to Stay Away from Murshidabad

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has opted to go ahead with his trip to the riot-hit Murshidabad district on Thursday evening, ignoring an appeal from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the day to postpone his visit until the situation there becomes stable.

Raj Bhavan officials in Kolkata confirmed that the Governor will leave for Murshidabad on Thursday night. He will spend the night at the District Circuit House upon arrival and then tour different areas of the district the next day. Murshidabad, which is under the majority minority rule, has been restive for close to a week after violent agitations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Earlier on Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing through the media, asked the Governor to delay his visit. She described how she herself could have gone to the zone, but decided against it, for fear that her own visit would inspire others to go too. "I would request the Governor to wait for some more days before going to Murshidabad.". A delegation from the West Bengal Commission for Women also wished to go there, but I told them to wait for a few more days," said the Chief Minister. She further said that she would go to Murshidabad only when the situation returns to normal.

In a related development, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) for South Bengal Supratim Sarkar spoke to the media, stating that a review would be done to see if there had been any intelligence failure with respect to the unrest in Murshidabad.

He also said that 60 FIRs have been lodged in connection with the violence and 274 people have been arrested. Special efforts are being made to help those displaced by violence, with 75 individuals already being safely resettled in their homes.

"We will make sure that they can live peacefully and without fear at their respective homes. Now police and CAPF camps are there, so there is no need to worry," Mr. Sarkar assured.