CM Mamata Banerjee Announces Compensation For Victims Of Murshidabad Protest Violence

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of those killed during the violent protests in Murshidabad against the Waqf Amendment Act.

Speaking at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium, West Bengal’s Chief Minister assured that the Chief Secretary would file a report and take necessary actions for the affected families.

“I will ask Chief Secretary to get a report on it. The families of those who lost their lives in the violence will get Rs 10 lakh each. We don’t see the religious identity of victims but their pain. Those who lost their houses will get Banglar Bari (a house scheme funded entirely by her government). For those whose shops were damaged, the Chief Secretary will take estimates and get the work done for them,” CM Mamata stated.

The protests erupted on 11 April in Murshidabad over the controversial Waqf Amendment Act. The situation escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others.

The unrest also resulted in significant property damage.

In response to the violence, the West Bengal Police arrested 150 people in connection with the incident.

Additional police forces have been deployed in Murshidabad’s Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas.

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of supporting the protesters. Criticism was directed at TMC MP Bapi Halder for allegedly making threatening remarks about the Waqf properties.

CM Mamata Criticizes Central Government

CM Mamata Banerjee also took the opportunity to criticize the Central government for its role in the Waqf Amendment and the ensuing communal unrest.

She accused the BJP-led government of creating division and failing to secure India’s borders.

The Chief Minister asserted, “I want to challenge and tell the Government of India – why were you so hurried about the Waqf Amendment? Didn’t you know the situation in Bangladesh? Bengal shares a border with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. I will be happy if it brings good to the country. But what is their plan? To engage in riots by using certain agencies that facilitate movement of people from there? I saw a tweet yesterday quoting Home Ministry sources that Bangladesh is involved in this. If that is the case, the Central government is responsible since BSF guards the borders, not us.”

“We believe in Sarva Dharma Samabhava. I believe in Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda. I request you to control if someone wants to create unrest in Bengal by getting agitated by the BJP’s statement,” she added.

Also Read: Congress Ramps Up Protests As Leaders Detained; Slams ED Chargesheet Against Gandhis