Violence Erupts in West Bengal Over Controversial Waqf Amendment Act
Protests Turn Violent in Murshidabad
Baharampur (WB): On Tuesday, protests against the newly passed Waqf (Amendment) Act escalated into violence in Murshidabad district, a region predominantly inhabited by Muslims. Demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in the burning of police vehicles and stone-pelting incidents.
The unrest unfolded in the Jangipur locality, where a significant crowd gathered in the afternoon, demanding the repeal of the contentious law.
A senior police official reported that protesters began throwing stones at law enforcement, leading to chaos and the destruction of police property.
In response to the violence, security measures have been heightened in the area, with several police officers sustaining injuries during the altercation.
To avert further disturbances, a substantial police presence has been deployed.
Siddiqullah Chowdhury, a state minister and president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind in West Bengal, criticized the police's response, asserting that even during previous administrations, minorities were treated with more respect.
Chowdhury, who is also a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress and oversees Mass Education Extension and Library Services, stated, “While action against violence is necessary, using force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable.”
Conversely, the BJP has held the ruling TMC accountable for the unrest, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of prioritizing minority interests over public safety.
In a statement on X, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar lamented that West Bengal, once protected by Syama Prasad Mukherjee, is now suffering under Mamata Banerjee's leadership.
West Bengal — once safeguarded by Syama Prasad Mukherjee — now bleeds under the rule of Mamata Banerjee & her nephew, the self-styled 'Prince of Kalighat' Abhishek Banerjee. As a particular community runs riot in Murshidabad, torching police vehicles & destroying govt property,… pic.twitter.com/M25Kc79sU2
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 8, 2025
Majumdar accused a specific community of causing chaos in Murshidabad, setting police vehicles ablaze and damaging government property, while claiming the chief minister remained silent.
He labeled Mamata Banerjee as “India's most failed CM” and questioned her accountability regarding a recent recruitment scandal, suggesting she unleashed the so-called ‘Shanti Vahini’ to incite this unrest.
He concluded his remarks by stating, “Law & order in Bengal = Innocent Hindus arrested, radical fundamentalists untouched. Shame!”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and subsequently approved by the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning after extensive discussions.
President Droupadi Murmu has signed the bill into law.
This amended legislation aims to enhance the management of Waqf properties—assets permanently allocated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes.
It seeks to protect heritage sites, improve transparency in property management, foster collaboration between Waqf boards and local authorities, and safeguard stakeholder rights while promoting broader social welfare initiatives.