West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits riot-hit Murshidabad, assures support to victims’ families

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday visited riot-affected areas of Murshidabad for the first time since communal clashes erupted last month, meeting families of victims and promising strict action against those behind the violence. On the second day of her tour of the district, Banerjee reached Samserganj by helicopter and held discussions with families affected by the clashes at the local block development office. Violence had broken out in areas including Samserganj, Suti, and Dhulian during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, leaving three dead and several injured. “We will not spare those who tried to disturb peace in Bengal,” Banerjee told the victims’ families, assuring them of full government support. Heavy security was deployed across the region for her visit. A day earlier, Banerjee had said, “Those who are inciting violence are enemies of West Bengal,” as she blamed vested interests for attempting to stir communal unrest.