Total breakdown of governance: NCW

The National Commission for Women-led committee inquiring into the communal violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad has observed that the strife had a particularly "devastating impact" on women and girls. It also said there was "a complete breakdown of administrative machinery and governance" in Murshidabad. "Despite prior intelligence and visible tensions in the area, state govt failed to take preventive or responsive action, and instead, appeared to act as a mute spectator," the NCW said on Friday, citing the observations of the committee led by NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar.

The commission has highlighted that people, especially Hindus, expressed a complete loss of faith in the state police and demanded establishment of BSF or CRPF camps to ensure safety and return to normalcy. The NCW said CM Mamata Banerjee issued a peace appeal on the night of April 19 but has not visited the affected areas. According to NCW, women in Murshidabad are being deliberately targeted, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.