India’s Murshidabad turns into battlefield again over demanding repeal of Waqf Act
The state has once again turned into a battlefield over this demand. Within just a week, the protests have intensified for the second time.
On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, hundreds of people blocked National Highway 12 as part of the protest. The situation escalated rapidly after police intervention, leading to violent clashes.
Several police officers were injured after being hit with bricks and stones thrown by protestors.
Police vehicles, passenger buses, goods trucks, and even an ambulance were set on fire. There was widespread vandalism at the protest site. Attacks and arson were also reported at traffic kiosks, government buses and railway offices.
During the clashes, a seventh-grade student was shot.
He was rushed to Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital in critical condition.
As the protest quickly spread across multiple areas including Suti’s Sajur intersection, Samsherganj and Dhulian, BSF was deployed alongside the state police to bring the situation under control.
The district administration has announced that Section 144 has been imposed in the affected areas to maintain law and order and internet services have been temporarily suspended.
According to police sources, 118 people have already been arrested in connection with the protest. Eastern Railway officials also confirmed that train operations between Dhulian Ganga and Nimtita stations were disrupted, and at least five trains were halted.
Governor C V Ananda Bose stated in a video message, “Any attempt to take the law into one’s own hands will not be tolerated. The government will take exemplary action in this matter.” The state police have also issued warnings to prevent the spread of rumours.
Reports say that more than 10 police personnel and several protestors were injured in the incident. They have been admitted to the local sub-divisional hospital. A large number of police officers have been deployed to the area to maintain control.
Previously, leaders of Trinamool Congress (TMC) had been accused of illegally occupying Waqf properties for personal gain. According to a report submitted by India’s central intelligence agency (IB) to Home Minister Amit Shah, several leaders of the ruling party in West Bengal are alleged to have seized Waqf properties in the state for personal use.
In recent days, violent protests over the demand to repeal the Waqf Amendment Act have been reported not just in Kolkata, but across various parts of the state.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in India’s Parliament late at night on April 3.
Following the President’s assent, it became law. Since then, various mass organizations across India, particularly in West Bengal, have been protesting against it.
