Waqf Act Protest: The Muslim community and opposition political parties strongly opposed the law brought by the Modi government at the center to amend the Waqf Act, 1995. Critics argue that the law will undermine the autonomy of Waqfs and violate religious freedom. They are concerned that the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf boards will undermine the religious autonomy of Waqf boards and violate constitutional protections for minority institutions. In this context, they have launched protests against the law.
The Muslim community is expressing concern over the recent amendment to the Waqf Act brought by the Centre. Protests in West Bengal against the Waqf Act on Friday turned violent. Tension prevailed in at least two areas. Clashes between protesters and security personnel in Nimtita and Suti in minority-dominated Murshidabad district on Friday led to tensions. Protesters blocked the railway tracks for hours at Nimtita railway station and vandalized railway properties. Railway Protection Force personnel had to resort to lathi charge to bring the situation under control. In the process, protesters pelted stones at security personnel, injuring several people.
As the situation became tense, the Border Security Force was deployed in the area. According to the latest information, the situation is largely under control. Clashes also broke out between protesters and state police personnel in the Sajur Crossing area under Suti police station limits in Murshidabad district. It is reported that protesters pelted stones and hurled firebombs at police personnel.
In this incident, police personnel as well as civilians were injured. The police lathi-charged the crowd and dispersed it. Additional forces were deployed in the area to keep the situation under control. Tension is still prevailing in the area.
Protests also turned violent in the Amtala area of South 24 Parganas district. Protesters protesting against the Waqf Act attacked local police personnel. Traffic was disrupted on National Highway 117 for some time as the police retaliated. The situation was similar in Champdani in Hooghly district of Bengal.
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari said that the state is witnessing large-scale violence, anarchy, and lawlessness due to the protests of a section of the people. “These people who have clearly said that they are against the Constitution of India and will oppose the law of the country have come out on the streets. They are destroying government and private properties at will. The security of the people has been compromised by terrorist groups,” he said.
The Bengal Governor’s Office has responded to the violent incidents. A message has been sent from Raj Bhavan to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to take immediate and strict action to control the situation. Later, Governor CV Anand Bose released a video. “I am receiving disturbing reports that some people are taking the law into their own hands in some parts of Bengal. I have discussed it with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after receiving information that problems are likely to arise in some parts of the state,” he said.
“Today, when riots broke out in some places, discussions were held with government officials. The Chief Secretary assured that the government will take very strict action against the miscreants and will not allow riots to escalate. All action will be taken against the miscreants. No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” the Governor warned.
Also Read: Rajya Sabha Approves Waqf Bill
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