Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has mandated the establishment of a three-member committee tasked with identifying and aiding individuals displaced due to the unrest surrounding the Waqf Act protests in Murshidabad district.

On Thursday, the court announced that this committee will include representatives from both the National Human Rights Commission and the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, along with the member secretary of the State Legal Services Authority.

A division bench, led by Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, confirmed that its previous order from April 12, which called for the deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in Murshidabad, remains in effect.

The court stated, "We find it suitable to form a committee of three officials to oversee and coordinate the situation."

This committee is responsible for identifying displaced individuals, assessing property damage, and gathering data on filed FIRs.

The state administration has been instructed to provide all necessary resources to support the committee in fulfilling the court's directives.

Additionally, the committee is authorized to assist victims in filing FIRs and to monitor the welfare of those displaced during this interim period.

Both the committee and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the state government are required to submit their reports by the next hearing on May 15.

The court highlighted the significant number of displaced individuals, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, emphasizing the need for the state to develop a rehabilitation plan, which should include rebuilding homes and businesses affected by the violence.

The bench also mandated that those who lost their livelihoods receive appropriate compensation.

Furthermore, it stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of families who lost loved ones in the unrest.

The court remarked, "It is the administration's responsibility to safeguard those who file FIRs."

The local administration is tasked with ensuring that once all displaced individuals are reinstated, they receive full support from the state to live peacefully without fear for their safety or property.

The state has been directed to maintain police presence and patrols in sensitive areas of the district.

The court clarified that it has not restricted the Central government's authority, which retains the power to deploy Central Armed Forces if deemed necessary.

Regarding the request for an NIA investigation into the violence, the court noted that it could not be considered at this time due to insufficient evidence presented.

However, it acknowledged that the Central government could initiate an NIA investigation if it believes that offenses under the NIA Act have occurred.

This ruling came during the hearing of multiple petitions, including one from Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari concerning the violence.

The lawyer representing the Centre requested an extension of Central forces' deployment, citing the ongoing sensitivity of the situation.

Currently, approximately 17 companies of Central forces are stationed in the affected areas of Suti and Samserganj-Dhulian.

In its submission, the state government reported that the law and order situation is under control and that some affected families have begun returning home.

One petitioner noted that several individuals have sought refuge in a school-turned-relief camp in the nearby Malda district due to the violence.

Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, representing the state, stated that over 270 arrests have been made in connection with the unrest as of midnight Wednesday.

He assured the court that adequate police, RAF, and Central Forces personnel are deployed in the impacted regions, and a Special Investigation Team has been formed under a Deputy Inspector General's leadership.

Banerjee also mentioned that more than 1,050 social media accounts have been blocked for disseminating false information.

In opposing the request for the imposition of Article 355 in Murshidabad, he reiterated that maintaining law and order is the state's responsibility.

He assured the court that the state government is committed to restoring and rehabilitating anyone affected by the violence.