Mamata urges Governor to postpone Murshidabad visit

Governor C V Ananda Bose is likely to visit Murshidabad district on Friday to assess the situation on the ground following last week's violent clashes that claimed three lives and left several injured.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The violence, which erupted between two groups, also led to arson and destruction of property in parts of the district, prompting heavy deployment of police, RAF and central forces.

Raj Bhavan sources said the Governor may leave for Murshidabad on Thursday night and visit the affected areas on Friday. During the visit, he is expected to meet victims of the violence and hold meetings with senior district officials and police officers.

In response to the unrest, Mr Bose had also directed the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) to immediately provide relief to the victims in riot-hit areas of Murshidabad and Malda. Former IAS officer Dr S K Pattanayak, chairman of IRCS, and Sandeep Rajput, chief nodal officer of the Rapid Action Cell in the Raj Bhavan, will serve as the key nodal officers overseeing the relief efforts.

Emergency helplines—9732524377 and 8013344318—have been activated for those in need.

Meanwhile, the BJP has strongly criticised the state administration and intelligence agencies for their alleged failure to act despite prior information about the planned violence.

State BJP president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, who met displaced residents of Murshidabad met with the Governor, lashed out at the Mamata Banerjee-led government.