Three Killed in West Bengal Protests Over Waqf Act Amendment

Unrest in Murshidabad Leads to Loss of Lives

Three individuals were killed in Murshidabad, West Bengal, when protests against the recent changes to the Waqf Act escalated into violence, a police officer confirmed to Scroll on Saturday.

Arrests and Property Damage

• 118 people have been arrested in relation to the violence.
• Protesters set a police vehicle ablaze and damaged several others in the Jangipur area.
• Trinamool Congress MP Khalilur Rehman’s office was allegedly vandalized.
• Train services were disrupted.

Previous Clashes and Restrictions

On April 8, a mob clashed with the police, threw stones, and set the vehicles of security forces on fire in Jangipur during a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. Several police personnel were injured in the clashes.

• Prohibitory orders were imposed in the area, banning public gatherings till Thursday.
• Internet services in Jangipur were suspended till 6 pm on Friday.
• 22 individuals were arrested in connection with the violence.

Friday’s Protests and Arrests

On Friday afternoon, protesters blocked National Highway 12 at Shajurmore crossing near Dhulian.

• The police attempted to remove the blockade, but were met with stone-pelting.
• A police jeep and a motorbike were set on fire in the area.
• 70 people were arrested from Suti, and 41 people from Samserganj.

Police Response and Railway Disruptions

The West Bengal Police stated that traffic had returned to normal on the national highway by Friday night.

• “Strict action will be taken against those who have resorted to violence,” said the police.
• Raids are being conducted to arrest the troublemakers.
• Legal action will be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation.

Nearly 5,000 protesters had blocked railway tracks, resulting in two passenger trains getting cancelled and four express trains being diverted, stated the Eastern Railway.

Waqf Act Amendment and Reactions

A waqf is a property dedicated to a religious, educational, or charitable cause under Islamic law. The recent changes to the law limit the authority of waqf boards and allow greater government control over them.

• The 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill brought changes to 44 sections of the 1995 Waqf Act.
• The bill was cleared by Parliament on April 4 and took effect on Tuesday.
• The Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen have challenged the constitutionality of the bill in the Supreme Court.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Waqf Amendment Act will not be implemented in the state.

“I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act,” the Trinamool Congress leader said on Wednesday. “Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal by which one can divide and rule. You send out a message that all have to stay together.”