Violence erupted during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Bhangar and Murshidabad, creating tension in West Bengal. While Bhangar witnessed clashes between protesters and police, the situation in Murshidabad is gradually returning to normal due to the deployment of BSF personnel and increased security measures.
On Monday, supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) in Bhangar were protesting against the Waqf Amendment Act. The protesters were on their way to a rally at Ramlila Maidan in Kolkata, where ISF leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui was set to address them. The police stopped the protesters at Basanti Highway near Bhojerhat, which caused the protest to turn violent.
The protesters attempted to break through police barricades, leading to heightened tensions and violent clashes between the two sides. The police responded with a lathi charge, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Protesters set police vehicles on fire, and public property was damaged during the violence. According to the police, several law enforcement officers were also injured. ISF leader Naushad Siddiqui condemned the violence, stating, “This law is not just an attack on Muslims, but an attack on our Constitution. We will not accept this law.” Opposition parties have criticized the police for not taking adequate action to control the angry crowd.
In contrast, in Murshidabad, previously the epicenter of violence, the situation is gradually improving. Senior officials from the Border Security Force (BSF) visited the affected areas and assured residents of their safety. Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General of BSF, stated, “We have spoken to the affected people, and the situation is slowly returning to normal. We are working with state police to restore peace.”As conditions improve, shops in Murshidabad have started reopening, and displaced families are returning home. The state police confirmed that 210 people have been arrested so far, and additional patrols are being carried out to maintain law and order.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during an event at Kalighat, appealed to the public to express their dissent peacefully and not take the law into their own hands. She also stated, “No violence should be promoted in the name of religion.” Meanwhile, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar visited relief camps in Murshidabad, where many Hindu families had sought refuge. He alleged that during the Waqf Act protests, some radical groups targeted Hindu families, destroying their properties and threatening their lives.
Political blame games continue over the escalating violence and the state’s ability to maintain peace. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of failing to control the situation in Murshidabad and called for the 2026 Assembly elections to be held under President’s Rule. While the situation remains tense, state authorities hope that with the combined efforts of the BSF and police forces, peace can be fully restored.
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