Waqf Act Protest Turns Violent in Murshidabad
Clashes after Friday prayers lead to two deaths, many injured
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] April 12: After the peaceful Friday prayers in Murshidabad’s Shamsherganj, a large group gathered to raise their voice against the Waqf Act. The stretch from Dakbanglo More to Sutir Sajur More quickly turned into a protest site. The crowd blocked roads, and emotions ran high. What started as a peaceful gathering soon became intense. The voices that asked for answers turned into anger when they felt unheard.
Violence Erupts as Crowd Gets Aggressive
The situation grew worse when some protesters threw stones at a police van. Officers got injured and had to act fast. Police tried to calm things down, but the protestors turned more aggressive. Bomb-like objects were also hurled. Some officers had to take shelter inside a mosque nearby. Fear and panic spread through the streets. Police had to use tear gas and batons to control the angry crowd.
Deaths Reported and Vehicles Burnt
By Saturday, the violence reached Dhulian in the Samserganj area. One person got shot and later died. Another death was also reported, taking the toll to two. Vehicles were set on fire, including police vans and public buses. The smell of smoke filled the air. In many areas, rail and road movement stopped. The town that once bustled with life turned silent and tense.
Police Struggle to Keep Peace
The police arrested over 100 people, but restoring order was difficult. Around ten officers got injured during the clashes. Some were rushed to hospitals. The police even called the BSF (Border Security Force) to control the situation. Prohibitory orders were already in place, but people still gathered. The district administration is now on high alert. Shops shut down and schools remained closed in nearby areas.
Political Blame Game Begins
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Waqf law was made by the central government, not the state. She added that it won’t be applied in West Bengal. Still, the opposition BJP blamed her for not taking action earlier. BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar claimed that such chaos would end quickly if their party was in power. The people, however, remain stuck between politics and peace.
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