Lagatar24 Desk
Murshidabad: Tensions continue to grip West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following violent clashes over protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. The unrest has left three people dead and led to the arrest of 150 individuals so far.
Violence Erupts After Passage Of Waqf Amendment Bill
Protests broke out across several regions of north Bengal after the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in Parliament, altering the management laws of Waqf properties nationwide. Areas worst hit include Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur.
State Police Enforce Prohibitory Orders
The West Bengal Police have claimed the situation is under control, with prohibitory orders imposed to prevent large gatherings and further escalation of violence.
Calcutta High Court Orders Deployment Of Central Forces
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Calcutta High Court directed the deployment of central security forces, calling the situation “grave and volatile.” The court emphasized that safeguarding public safety cannot be delayed on technical grounds.
Mamata Banerjee Appeals For Peace
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed for calm and stated that the Waqf Amendment Act was passed by the Centre, not her government. She reiterated that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), does not support the new law.
BJP Alleges Forced Exodus Of Hindus
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that over 400 Hindus have been forced to flee their homes due to religious persecution in the state. He accused the TMC government of “appeasement politics” and claimed that Hindus were being targeted.
Governor CV Ananda Bose Supports High Court’s Move
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s directive for deploying central forces. He described the decision as timely and appropriate given the law-and-order situation.
Violence Started With Stone-Pelting And Arson
Clashes reportedly began on April 8 when protesters hurled stones at police personnel and set police vehicles on fire. Massive protests had earlier erupted in Kolkata and other parts of the state against the controversial law.
Police Ordered To Act Strictly Against Violence
State DGP Rajeev Kumar said that the government has instructed the police to deal firmly with hooliganism and lawlessness. He explained that the protests started peacefully but escalated into property damage and communal violence.
Political Challenge For Mamata Banerjee Ahead Of Elections
The violence presents a significant challenge for Mamata Banerjee as she prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections in 2026, where she will seek a fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister.
Teacher Recruitment Scam Adds To Government’s Woes
The Waqf Act violence comes amidst another crisis for the West Bengal government — protests by over 26,000 teachers whose appointments were cancelled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities in the recruitment process.
