KKN Gurugram Desk | On Friday, multiple regions in West Bengal witnessed violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Demonstrators disrupted road and rail traffic, set vehicles ablaze, and clashed with law enforcement. The unrest resulted in injuries to 15 police officers and 10 civilians, including a minor who sustained a gunshot wound. Authorities have arrested 118 individuals in connection with the disturbances.
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Key Developments
1. Violence Erupts in Murshidabad
In Suti, Murshidabad district, protests escalated into violence as demonstrators defied prohibitory orders, blocked roads, and pelted stones at security personnel. Police vans and public buses were set on fire during the chaos.
2. Protests Sparked Post-Friday Prayers
A senior police official reported that the unrest began after Friday prayers when members of the Muslim community gathered to protest the Waqf law. They obstructed a section of National Highway-12 from Dakbangla More in Shamsherganj to Suti’s Sajur More.
3. Clashes Lead to Injuries
The situation turned violent when protesters attacked a police van with stones, leading to clashes that injured approximately 15 police officers and 10 civilians. A minor girl returning from a relative’s house was also shot and is currently receiving treatment at a Kolkata hospital.
4. Use of Force by Police
Some protesters reportedly threw bomb-like objects at police officers. In response, law enforcement used batons and tear gas to disperse the “uncontrolled crowd.” So far, 118 individuals have been arrested for attacking police and causing property damage.
5. Rail Services Disrupted in Malda
In Malda, demonstrators staged sit-ins on railway tracks, affecting train operations. Eastern Railway services between Farakka and Azimganj were disrupted.
6. Governor Calls for Action
Governor C.V. Ananda Bose urged the state government to take immediate and effective action against those responsible for disturbances in sensitive areas.
7. Student Protests in Kolkata
Students from Aliah University held a rally in Kolkata, demanding the repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. They temporarily blocked the Seven Point Crossing in the Park Circus area after bypassing police barricades.
8. Train Services Affected
Eastern Railway reported that around 5,000 people sat on the tracks near Dhulian Ganga station, disrupting services on the Azimganj-New Farakka route. Several trains, including the Kamakhya Puri Express and Barharwa-Azimganj Passenger, were halted. Railway Police, GRP, and local police are engaging with protesters to restore normalcy.
9. BSF Deployed in Murshidabad
According to ANI, a large crowd gathered in Jangipur, Murshidabad, to protest the Waqf Amendment Act. As the situation deteriorated, BSF personnel were deployed to assist in restoring peace and order.
10. Political Reactions
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya accused her of attempting to turn Bengal into “another Bangladesh.” Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari held the state police and ministers accountable, stating that while protest is a right, resorting to violence is unacceptable.
The protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal have escalated into significant unrest, affecting public safety and transportation. With multiple injuries, arrests, and disruptions, the situation underscores the need for dialogue and effective governance to address public concerns and maintain law and order.
