Following the outbreak of violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district over opposition to the Waqf Act, hundreds of residents have fled their homes and taken refuge in neighboring Malda district. The displaced people crossed the Bhagirathi River in boats to reach Malda, where the administration has arranged temporary shelter and food in government schools.
Sources report that the protests in areas such as Suti, Dhulian, Jangipur, and Samsherganj turned communal, leading to widespread violence. Several victims claimed their homes were set on fire and that both men and women faced mistreatment during the attacks.
A woman who escaped from Dhulian recounted how the attackers threatened them and forced them to leave the area. “We just managed to save our lives by crossing the river,” she said, adding that staying back would have meant certain death.
According to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, around 400 Hindu residents from Dhulian have reached the Baishnabnagar region and are currently sheltered at Lalpur High School. He accused the state government of appeasement politics and urged the central government to ensure safe rehabilitation for the displaced.
Meanwhile, Malda district administration and local NGOs are providing all possible assistance to the victims. Relief efforts include food distribution, deployment of 20 volunteers for ferrying supplies via boats, and establishment of multiple shelter sites. Local MLA Chandana Sarkar assured that all necessary security and support are being provided to those affected.
