The violence and unrest in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Act has led to the arrest of over 200 individuals. Police and central forces are working to restore peace in the area, with Additional Director General of Law and Order Javed Shamim expressing optimism about the situation. Shamim confirmed that the number of FIRs related to the disturbances is increasing and that those involved in instigating violence will face stern punishment.
Efforts are underway to support displaced families, with around 19 families having returned home. Shamim emphasized the dangers of misinformation and rumor-mongering, appealing to people to be responsible and check facts before corroborating them. He addressed concerns about the police’s response time and potential intelligence failures, noting the high scale of mobilization.
Internet services remain suspended to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain order in the region. Fresh violence erupted in the Bhangar area as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police while moving towards Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata to attend an anti-Waqf law rally without permission. Videos showed police motorbikes set on fire and an overturned police bus.
At the rally, ISF MLA Naushad Siddique denounced the new law as an attack on Muslims and an assault on the Constitution. Tensions escalated when the crowd tried to break through police barricades, leading to a lathi-charge by police to disperse the protesters.
Murshidabad unrest and law enforcement
The ISF raised questions about the West Bengal government’s stance, pointing to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s earlier claim that her government would not implement the new Waqf laws. The controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduces significant changes to the Waqf administration, including the nomination of two non-Muslim members to state Waqf boards and the central Waqf council, and requiring donors to certify themselves as ‘practicing Muslims’ for at least five years. Union Minority Affairs Minister Rijiju dismissed concerns that the center would take over Waqf boards, asserting that the management and beneficiaries would remain within the Muslim community.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear 15 petitions challenging the new Waqf laws on April 16. In Murshidabad, the families of those killed in the violence are seeking justice. Pinki Das lost her husband and father-in-law, who were hacked to death by a mob.
Selima Bibi’s husband, Ejaz Ahmed, was killed allegedly in police firing amid Friday’s protests. The affected villages bore the brunt of the violence, with houses targeted with stones, set on fire, and ransacked. Local residents express fear and uncertainty about their future in the area.
Political leaders from various parties have visited the affected areas, condemning the violence and expressing support for the families. The Calcutta High Court has ordered the deployment of Central Armed Forces in the affected areas, and over 150 people have been arrested so far.
Image Credits: Photo by AJ Colores on Unsplash
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