Waqf protest turns violent in Bengal
Kolkata : A new wave of violence erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, on Friday when a mob hurled stones at a train parked at Nimtita station. The mob also damaged property at the station. Reports indicate that between seven and ten police officers sustained injuries during the unrest. In response, personnel from the Border Security Forces have been deployed to manage the situation.
As a result of the disturbances, at least two trains have been canceled, and five others have been rerouted. Several commuters were also reported injured in the attack.
In a related incident in Murshidabad, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, leading to the burning of vehicles and further vandalism as protests escalated into violence.
In light of the current circumstances, Governor CV Ananda Bose has issued a warning to those engaging in violent acts and has directed the state government to take prompt and effective measures against those responsible for the unrest in sensitive areas, including Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, and other locations in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas.
To anticipate further unrest, the Governor has engaged in discussions with the Chief Minister regarding the situation. While the specifics of their conversation remain confidential, Raj Bhavan has confirmed that the Chief Secretary was contacted and assured that police forces have been instructed to implement all necessary actions to restore and maintain order in the affected regions.
“We had prior information that trouble could arise, which was communicated to the Chief Minister’s office. We are actively monitoring the situation. The police have been given clear directives to take action. Disrupting lives under the guise of protest is unacceptable, and those responsible will face consequences,” Governor Bose stated in an interview with India Today.
“We have established a peace room for the public to report information. Based on the intelligence we received, we consistently discuss such matters with the Chief Minister’s office,” he added.
Governor Bose is closely overseeing the developments, and a 24/7 control room has been established, along with a dedicated helpline for public assistance at (033-22001641).
Considering the closeness of the violence-affected regions to international borders, the Governor has contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the situation.
Subsequently, the West Bengal police announced that the situation is now stable and cautioned individuals engaging in violent behavior that they would face severe consequences.
“The conditions in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur are currently under control. The unruly crowd has been dispersed through effective police intervention. Traffic on the national highway has returned to normal,” the police stated on X.
“Those who have engaged in violence will face strict repercussions. Operations are underway to apprehend the instigators. Legal measures will also be taken against those spreading false information. We urge everyone to disregard rumors and remain calm,” the statement continued.
In the meantime, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh has urged the demonstrators to uphold peace in anticipation of Mamata Banerjee’s important meeting with Imams in Kolkata on April 16.
This development follows a surge of tensions in Murshidabad just three days prior, when a protest against the Waqf Act turned violent. On Tuesday, a large assembly gathered to oppose the legislation, leading to a confrontation between the demonstrators and law enforcement.
The situation intensified when police intervened to stop the protesters from obstructing a major roadway in the area.
Amid the chaos, several vehicles were set ablaze, and stones were hurled.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, was approved by both Houses of Parliament last week after extensive discussions. The Bill was enacted following President Droupadi Murmu’s approval on Saturday.
The Act was officially announced and took effect on Tuesday, April 8.
Earlier on Friday, students from Aliah University in Kolkata also organized a protest march against the controversial Waqf Act, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court by various opposition parties.
