Violence Grips South 24 Parganas After Waqf Law Protest
Where voices rise, silence falls—Bengal’s street speaks louder than law
Parganas (West Bengal) [India] April 14: The peaceful morning in South 24 Parganas’ Bhangar turned tense as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) tried to march towards Kolkata. Police stopped them midway at Bhojerhat on Basanti Highway. This led to a sudden clash. Protesters broke barricades and sat on the road, blocking traffic. Police vehicles were set on fire and officers were injured. The entire area turned into a zone of chaos, forcing the government to sound a high alert.
Old Roots, New Fires
Bhangar has seen political unrest before, especially after Naushad Siddique won as MLA. Monday’s protest had its roots in old political rivalries and newer laws. The Waqf (Amendment) Act has hurt many feelings, with some saying it allows the government to control religious property. This act reignited an old anger in the hearts of the people. They felt unheard and stepped out on the streets to raise their voices, turning the town into a ground of turmoil.
Clashes and Charred Roads
The protest soon turned violent. Protesters, angered by the police’s attempt to stop them, set police jeeps ablaze. Visuals showed black smoke filling the sky and damaged roads full of stones and debris. Even senior officers on duty could not stop the unrest. The police had to use lathis to disperse the crowd. Many locals, including shopkeepers and children, ran for safety. For hours, the area remained closed, with fear hanging heavy in the air.
Murshidabad Too Faces the Heat
The violence was not limited to Bhangar. Just days before, Murshidabad had also seen similar unrest. In places like Dhulian and Jangipur, protests over the same Waqf law turned deadly. Shops, homes, and even hotels were burnt down. Many families had to flee across the Bhagirathi River to find shelter in Malda. Reports say over 400 Hindus had to leave their villages, fearing attacks. This raised questions about law and order in the region.
Political War over People's Rights
Naushad Siddique, while addressing the crowd at Ramlila Maidan, accused the government of trying to silence protest. He said the law affects Muslims deeply and violates the Constitution. ISF leaders also questioned why they were stopped when other parties hold rallies without hurdles. They blamed both the BJP and Trinamool Congress for creating confusion and fear. The issue is now more than a law—it has become a symbol of power, politics, and people's pain.
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