Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: West Bengal witnessed another wave of violence on Monday as protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent in South 24 Parganas. Supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police, leading to arson, injuries, and chaos on the streets.
Protest March Halted, Violence Breaks Out
The violence erupted when ISF workers, marching towards Kolkata’s Ramlila Maidan for a rally addressed by ISF leader Naushad Siddique, were stopped by police at Bhojerhat on the Basanti Highway. The protesters, primarily from Bhangar, Minakhan, and Sandeshkhali, attempted to break police barricades, triggering violent confrontations.
According to police officials, several police vehicles were torched, and law enforcement personnel sustained injuries during the clashes. Batons were used to disperse the crowd, leaving many protesters injured.
Traffic Blocked, Security Tightened
The incident caused massive traffic disruption on the highway. The police deployed additional forces to control the situation and eventually cleared the protesters from the area.
This fresh unrest comes just days after violence in Murshidabad district left three people dead and over 150 individuals arrested.
BJP Demands AFSPA In Violence-Hit Districts
Reacting to the escalating situation, BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to impose AFSPA in several sensitive districts of West Bengal. He cited deteriorating law and order and alleged targeted violence against Hindus.
Following recent unrest in Murshidabad, the Calcutta High Court also ordered the immediate deployment of central forces to restore peace.
Displaced Families Seek Shelter In Malda
West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar visited a relief camp in Malda district on Monday. The camp, set up at Paralalpur High School in Kaliachak Block 3, houses around 550 displaced people who fled Murshidabad after the recent violence.
Majumdar claimed that the victims shared harrowing tales of their homes being set on fire and receiving death threats. He alleged that the violence was instigated by “fundamentalist forces” disguised as protesters.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead Of Polls
Majumdar accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government of bias and suppressing the truth. “Mamata Banerjee has turned Bengal into another Bangladesh,” he alleged, warning that the unrest in Murshidabad could spread to other parts of the state.
He also criticized the state government for allegedly restraining the central forces and failing to control the situation.
