150 held in Murshidabad violence over Waqf Act

Murshidabad

Murshidabad district in West Bengal witnessed violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to the arrest of 150 people, police confirmed. Forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other sensitive areas to ensure law and order.

Following the unrest that claimed three lives, the Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate deployment of central forces in Murshidabad. A PIL was filed by advocate Anish Mukherjee on behalf of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, demanding central force deployment and an NIA probe. “For several days now, we have been witnessing widespread violence throughout the state of West Bengal, particularly in the Murshidabad district,” Mukherjee said.

The High Court has asked the Centre and the state to submit detailed reports, with the next hearing scheduled for April 17.

Security was also tightened in Jangipur, where public property was damaged. Though protests continue, the situation is now said to be under control.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has directed the Mamata Banerjee-led government to take firm action against those responsible for the violence in areas like Amtala, Suti, and Dhuliyan.

Meanwhile, Muslim groups in Siliguri and students at Aliah University in Kolkata have also protested against the Act. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in both Houses of Parliament on April 2 and 3, received presidential assent on April 5.

In response, the BJP has launched a ‘Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign’ to educate the Muslim community on the law’s benefits.

AFSPA Urged in Bengal

BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to declare Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas as “disturbed areas” under AFSPA. He alleged repeated violence against Hindus and accused the state government of ignoring the situation. Drawing parallels with the 1990 Kashmiri Pandit exodus, he warned of a similar threat in Bengal. BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar also demanded central intervention and strict legal action.