Murshidabad Violence Victims' Families To Get Rs 10 Lakh Compensation, Says Bengal CM Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 16 announced compensation for families affected in the Murshidabad riots that followed the protests against the Waqf Act. She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of orchestrating the Murshidabad violence.

Moreover, she also claimed that central agencies, such as the BSF, played an active role in fanning the flames. She said that the BSF eased restrictions along the border, which in turn led to a rise in the illegal influx from Bangladesh.

Terming the violence "planned", CM Banerjee alleged that central forces had not only failed to maintain order but were also actively involved in inciting chaos. "I came across news claiming the role of elements from across the border in Murshidabad unrest. Is it not the role of the BSF to guard the border? The state government does not guard the international border," she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

CM Mamata Banerjee further alleged that the central government had failed to prevent infiltration from Bangladesh, thereby contributing to the destabilisation of the region.

'Plan Was To Incite Violence On Ram Navami'

CM Mamata said the initial plan of the BJP was to incite violence in Bengal on Ram Navami. However, the plan was foiled by religious leaders banding together. "The BJP is bringing goons from outside the state... It is their plan. You people jointly foiled their plan on Ram Navami. You need to be alert," she said.

The chief minister further said: "There are traitors in every society. If the BJP tries to incite Hindu-Muslim [violence], you all have to play a role [to prevent it]... Imam sahab should play a role. We want peace. Till the time we are here, we won't let anyone divide Hindus and Muslims."

Aid For Families Hit By Murshidabad Violence

As part of the state’s relief efforts, Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the violence. She emphasised that her government stood by every victim, irrespective of religion. She said, "We don’t see the religious identity of the victims, only their pain."

So far, three deaths have been recorded officially. The Bengal Police has arrested at least 120 suspects for their alleged involvement in the riots.

Families rendered homeless in the clashes will be given new houses under the 'Banglar Bari' scheme, which provides structured, permanent housing to low-income families. CM Mamata has asked the Bengal Chief Secretary to assess losses and ensure restoration or compensation for small traders and shopkeepers who lost their business establishments. "No one will be abandoned," Banerjee promised.

She warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi against implementing the Waqf (Amendment) Act in its present form and accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of "harming the country for their political gain". "As long as I am here, I will not allow anyone to divide Hindus and Muslims," she added.

(With inputs from Bijendra, ABP News.)

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