Clashes Erupt in Assam Over Controversial Waqf Amendment Act

Protests Turn Violent in Cachar District

Guwahati: Tensions escalated in Cachar district of Assam on Sunday as protestors clashed with police during a demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. According to a senior official, the rally took place in the Berenga area of Silchar town without prior authorization.

The official reported that approximately 300 to 400 individuals participated in the protest, obstructing the road. When law enforcement attempted to clear the area, some protestors retaliated by throwing stones, prompting police to resort to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

The situation has since been brought under control, the official confirmed, noting that while a case has been filed, no arrests have been made.

Demonstrators waved black flags and chanted slogans against the ruling BJP government, calling for the repeal of the controversial Act.

On Saturday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that the police had received a "strong intelligence" report warning of potential unrest during protests by the minority community regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act. He stated that law enforcement had taken extensive measures to avert any violence, following intelligence suggesting possible issues on Friday.