Conflict Erupts in Bengal Amid Protests Against Waqf Act
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Synopsis
Tensions have surged in West Bengal as protests against the Waqf Amendment Act resulted in violence and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in several districts.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in West Bengal over the Waqf Amendment Act.
- Clashes occurred between protesters and security forces.
- Railway tracks were blocked by demonstrators.
- Police utilized cane-charge to control the crowds.
- Governor urged prompt action to restore order.
Kolkata, April 11 (NationPress) Tension has escalated in at least two areas of West Bengal this Friday afternoon as members of a specific religious community protested against the newly enacted Waqf Amendment Act.
Disruptions were reported in Nimtita and Suti, located in the minority-populated Murshidabad district, following confrontations between protesters and security forces. At Nimtita railway station, demonstrators obstructed the railway tracks for several hours and caused damage to railway property.
In response, the RPF personnel employed a cane-charge to restore order. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones at the security personnel, resulting in injuries to some officers.
Subsequently, BSF personnel were dispatched to the area, and reports indicate that the situation is now largely under control.
Additionally, clashes occurred between protesters and state police at Sajur Crossing under Suti police jurisdiction. Protesters reportedly threw stones and homemade bombs at police from a rally.
As a result, several police personnel and bystanders sustained injuries, prompting the police to respond with a cane-charge to disperse the aggressive crowd.
Extra police units have been deployed to maintain order, yet tensions remained high as this report was filed.
Similar unrest was observed in the Amtala area of South 24 Parganas, where demonstrators opposing the Waqf Act clashed with local police. This confrontation significantly disrupted traffic on National Highway 117.
The situation was equally volatile in Champdani, Hooghly district. The opposition leader in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, stated that the state is currently experiencing widespread violence and chaos in the guise of protests led by radical factions.
“These individuals have openly declared their opposition to the Constitution of India and intend to defy the law. They have taken control of the streets, vandalizing public and private property at will. Public safety is at stake as innocent citizens face threats from these violent radical groups,” he remarked.
The office of Governor C.V. Ananda Bose reached out to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, urging that the police implement immediate and strict measures to restore order.
Later, the Governor released a video message expressing concern over alarming reports of individuals taking the law into their own hands in various areas of Bengal. He noted that he had confidential discussions with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee upon receiving warnings of potential disturbances.
“Even today, as disturbances arose, discussions were held with government officials. The Chief Secretary has assured that stringent actions will be taken against those causing trouble, and disturbances will not be allowed to escalate. The state is prepared to act decisively against wrongdoers. No one will be permitted to take the law into their own hands,” the Governor stated.
