Bengal Governor: Mamata govt curbed LWE terror, ignored communal violence

Kolkata

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose recently submitted a report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighting the state government's failure to address communal violence despite its success in managing Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) threats. The report focuses on the communal unrest in Murshidabad district last month, which occurred during a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Based on his observations during a visit to the district, the Governor noted deficiencies in the state's police infrastructure, including manpower shortages and inadequate equipment, which often lead to the need for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployment in crisis situations.

The Governor also emphasized the urgency of completing barbed fencing along the international borders in districts bordering Bangladesh. He expressed concerns about increasing polarization, particularly in areas where Hindus are now in the minority. Cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh was highlighted as a significant security threat.

In his report, the Governor called for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry into the Murshidabad violence and urged Union intervention when the state government fails to act effectively. He also recommended setting up CAPF camps in sensitive regions like Murshidabad and Malda. Additionally, the Governor suggested that the Union government consider invoking Article 356 if the law and order situation worsens. However, Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh criticized the report, labeling it as biased and politically motivated to further the BJP's agenda.