Murshidabad Unrest: Over 200 Detained, Tensions Erupt in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas
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Synopsis
On April 14, over 200 arrests have been made in West Bengal's Murshidabad district due to violence linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Tensions also arose in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, where protests were met with police obstruction.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 arrests related to Murshidabad violence.
- Violent protests erupted over the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
- Police confirm stabilization in Murshidabad and Malda.
- Internet services suspended to curb rumor spreading.
- Protests in Bhangar led to significant traffic disruptions.
Kolkata, April 14 (NationPress) The number of individuals apprehended in relation to the unrest in various areas of the Murshidabad district of West Bengal has exceeded 200, as reported by a senior state police official on Monday.
Numerous locations within the district experienced violent protests regarding the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act last week, with members of the Hindu community particularly facing targeted aggression.
Confirming that arrests have surpassed the 200 mark, Additional Director General (Law & Order) of state police, Javed Shamim, stated that the conditions in the affected regions of both Murshidabad and Malda districts are stabilizing.
“Continuous route marches are being held in the disturbed areas, with senior police officials present. The situation is rapidly normalizing, and shops and businesses have begun to reopen,” he stated.
Nevertheless, he noted that there are efforts by certain vested interests from other states to disseminate false information regarding the situation, leading to the temporary suspension of internet services in specific regions.
He also mentioned that measures to facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their residences have commenced.
Meanwhile, tensions flared in the minority-majority Bhangar Assembly constituency in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Monday afternoon.
Violence erupted between law enforcement and supporters of the All India Secular Front (AISF) from Bhangar after they were prevented from advancing to the site of their protests in Kolkata against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The AISF supporters obstructed the Basanti Highway in protest, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Despite repeated appeals from the police, AISF activists refused to cease their blockade of the highway.
The AISF representative from Bhangar, Nausad Siddique, emphasized that the police are primarily responsible for exacerbating tensions surrounding the Waqf issue.
“This is merely a distraction from the public outcry over the recent annulment of 25,753 school jobs following a Supreme Court order. We were obstructed without justification, and the police intentionally escalated tension. We will pursue legal action regarding this matter,” he stated.
