We can't live like this: Women break down before NCW chief in riot-hit Murshidabad

IANS April 19, 2025 247 views

The National Commission for Women conducted a critical field visit to Dhuliyan, a riot-affected region in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Women victims emotionally shared their fears and requested permanent Border Security Force camps to ensure their safety. The NCW delegation, led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, committed to presenting their urgent concerns to the Union Home Ministry. Initial district reports suggest extensive property damage, with over 250 houses and 100 shops vandalized during the communal unrest.

"We won't survive without permanent BSF camps here" - Unnamed Riot Victim, Dhuliyan
Kolkata, April 19: Women in Dhuliyan, one of the worst-affected areas in West Bengal's minority-dominated Murshidabad district, have urged the Centre to set up permanent Border Security Force (BSF) camps in violence-hit pockets to ensure their safety following recent communal unrest over protests against the Waqf Act.

Key Points

1

NCW team visits violence-hit Murshidabad to assess community trauma

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Women break down pleading for central force protection

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Over 250 Hindu houses vandalized during recent unrest

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District preparing comprehensive damage assessment report

On Saturday, a delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by its chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, visited Dhuliyan to meet those affected by last week's violence, most of whom are Hindus.

Several women broke down during their interaction with the delegation and pleaded for the permanent deployment of central forces.

"We won't survive without permanent BSF camps here. If needed, we are ready to offer our own land and homes for setting them up," said a woman, sobbing and touching the feet of a delegation member.

The NCW team assured locals that their concerns would be conveyed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

"We are here to stand with you in this moment of crisis. The whole country is watching and supporting you. We will submit a detailed report to the Centre and include the demand for permanent BSF presence in this region," a delegation member told the women.

Even before Saturday's visit, NCW member Archana Majumdar had stressed the need for permanent Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) camps in the region.

"The women victims in Murshidabad have clearly expressed the need for permanent CAPF deployment to ensure their dignity and safety. We will raise the issue with the Union government," Majumdar said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Murshidabad district administration has prepared a preliminary report on property damage. According to initial estimates, over 250 houses and 100 shops -- mostly owned by Hindus -- were vandalized during the unrest.

"This is just the initial estimate. The actual figure may rise as we complete the detailed assessment," said a senior district official.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is heartbreaking 💔 No woman should have to live in fear like this. The government needs to take immediate action to protect these families. Permanent security forces seem like the only solution right now.
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Rahul K.
While I sympathize with the victims, I wonder if permanent military presence is the best long-term solution. Maybe we should focus more on community building and dialogue between groups? Just thinking out loud.
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Sunita P.
The image of that woman touching the delegation member's feet while crying will stay with me all day. When will this violence end? 😢 Our sisters deserve to live in peace.
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Amit S.
The property damage numbers are shocking! 250 homes and 100 shops? That's people's entire livelihoods destroyed. Hope the government provides proper compensation along with security measures.
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Neha T.
I appreciate the NCW for visiting and listening to these women. Sometimes just being heard makes a difference. But now we need concrete action - not just reports and promises.
K
Kunal R.
Respectfully, the article seems one-sided. It mentions mostly Hindu victims but doesn't give perspective from other communities in the area. Understanding all sides is crucial for real peace.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Murshidabad Riots NCW Vijaya Rahatkar West Bengal Violence Hindu Community BSF Deployment
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