Protests Grow in West Bengal Over New Waqf Law
Protests Grow in West Bengal Over New Waqf Law
Students at Aliah University in Kolkata rallied against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, demanding its repeal. Tensions rose as protests turned violent in South 24 Parganas. Read more!
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Aliah University students in Kolkata rallied against the Waqf (Amendment) Act and called for its repeal, as the protests continued in West Bengal against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The demonstration at Amta in South 24 Parganas turned violent, with protesters attacking a police vehicle, said West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party president Sukanta Majumdar.
The following day, Siddiqullah Chowdhury, Minister of State and President of Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind, led a colossal rally opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act. At the gathering, he recounted his conversation with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who informed him that a motion would be moved in the State Assembly against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Under the prevailing atmosphere of violence, the Chief Minister assured members of the minority community that she would protect their rights and their land and said they should not be "restless."
The situation in Murshidabad, which saw violence this week, has turned tense again. Reports from the people allege the deployment of BSF in areas where violence was reported. The BJP State president, Sukanta Majumdar, also alleged on Social Media that "several express trains are being blocked; passengers are stranded, terrified, and rail premises have turned into war zones" in Murshidabad. There are reports of the blockade in Suti, Samsherganj, within the Murshidabad district.
“The situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur is now under control. The unruly mob has been dispersed by effective police action. Traffic has returned to normalcy on the national highway. Strict action will be taken against those who have resorted to violence. Raids are being conducted to arrest the troublemakers. Legal action will also be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation. We request all not to heed rumours and keep calm,” said West Bengal police in a social media post.
According to the reports, Mursidabad is still in a chaotic situation. Vehicles have been damaged by the Muslim community, and the situation is still not under control. Eventually, Police jeeps were also been crashed, the state buses were been out on fire.
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari visited Mothabari of Malda district, where untoward incidents had taken place a few days ago. "Today, I met the affected people & interacted with them and tried to address their concerns. The distressed people have lost their faith in administration. I have assured them of any and every support possible, including legal help and arranging better medical facilities for the victims,” said Mr. Adhikari on social media.
The fight over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill shows how tricky it is to keep things clear and fair when it comes to managing religious property. The government says the bill will make the system more honest and organized. But many people are upset because the central government didn’t talk to state leaders or minority groups before making these changes. This has made people worry that the bill ignores the rights of states and could hurt the Muslim community.
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