Kolkata: There has been a wave of violent protest in West Bengal against the Waqf Act and a tense situation has arisen in various parts of Murshidabad district. There have been reports of violence, sabotage and damage to railway property in many areas including Suti, Dhulian, Shamsherganj, Jangipur, Amatla and Chapdani.
The violence, which started on Friday night, erupted again on Saturday morning. Dhulian and Shamsherganj areas have disturbed peace and firing incidents have also come to light. A total of four people have been shot in the last two days. Ghulam Mohiuddin Sheikh (21) and Hasan Sheikh (12) were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Meanwhile, in this background, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clearly stated on Saturday that “the Waqf Act will not be implemented in the state.” He appealed to all citizens to maintain peace and social harmony.
Chief Minister Banerjee wrote on social media platform ‘X’ and criticized some political parties. He said, “Some parties are trying to use religion for political gains. Do not get seduced by them.” He further said, “Every human’s life is precious. Any kind of religious rift or violence is dangerous for society.” Explaining her position on the Waqf Act, Mamata Banerjee said, “This law belongs to the Central Government, not of the Government of Bengal. So the Center should answer for it.”
In view of the increasing violence in the state, Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar has also issued a strict warning. “The police is keeping a close watch on the situation. If a law takes into its own hands, strict action will be taken against it. Beware of the rumors and keep peace.” Rajiv Kumar has made this appeal.
Meanwhile, the situation worsened in four districts including Murshidabad in West Bengal during violent protests against the Waqf Act on 11 April. The police have so far arrested more than 120 people, including 70 people from Sati and 41 from Shamsherganj.
Protests intensified in Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas and Malda districts on Friday. The protesters set fire to government buses and private vehicles on National Highway-12. In addition, the police were attacked with stones and indigenous bombs at the Sajur crossing within the border of Sati police station.
The police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. 10 policemen were injured in this violence. 3 people were reported dead during the protest, but it has not been officially confirmed. National Highway and Rail Traffic were discontinued for some time to deal with the situation. In addition, internet services were temporarily suspended in riot affected areas.
