Violence in Murshidabad: 400 Hindus Flee After Waqf Law Clash

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] April 13: A peaceful evening in Dhulian suddenly turned into chaos. Families were having dinner when violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act broke out. Smoke filled the air, houses were set on fire, and terrified children clung to their parents. Over 400 Hindus had no choice but to run. Their only aim was to save their lives. They crossed the Ganga river and found shelter in a school in Malda district.

Schools Become Safe Homes

Par Lalpur High School, meant for students, became a temporary home. Families from Murshidabad, with tears in their eyes, slept on classroom floors. People carried only what they could grab—mostly clothes and important papers. Kids who once studied in such schools now lived there, scared and confused. They kept asking their parents, “When can we go home?” But even the parents had no answers.

Political Voices Get Louder

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress. He said that the government’s soft behaviour toward radical groups caused this fear. He asked for immediate help from central forces like the BSF and state police. Suvendu’s post on social media had photos and videos of displaced people, telling their painful stories. He said Bengal is burning, and the leaders are not doing enough to stop the fire.

A State Divided

In Kolkata, the government tried to explain its actions. But in Murshidabad, homes were lost, and temples damaged. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called the violence “state-sponsored.” He pointed out how this happened in the same Bengal that gave the world Swami Vivekananda. Broken idols and burning shops left behind not just ashes, but a deep wound in the hearts of those who had to leave their land.

Past and Present Collide

West Bengal has always been known for its rich history, arts, and peaceful culture. But today, that very land sees people living in fear. In the past, it gave birth to Nobel laureates and freedom fighters. Today, innocent people from Dhulian are living like refugees. The Calcutta High Court has now asked for reports from the Centre and the state, with the next hearing on April 17. Everyone hopes that peace returns before more lives are shattered.