Protests over Waqf Act continue in West Bengal

Amid violent protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has assured the members of the minority community that she will protect their rights and land and asked them not to be “restless”

Protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act continued in West Bengal on Friday (April 11, 2025), with students of Aliah University in Kolkata taking out a rally protesting the Waqf (Amendment) Act and demanding that it to be withdrawn. A demonstration at Amta in South 24 Parganas district turned violent, where the protesters attacked a police vehicle, alleged West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party president Sukanta Majumdar.

“In Diamond Harbour’s Amtala Chowrasta, Muslim mobs protesting against the Waqf Act vandalised a police vehicle in broad daylight,” the BJP leader said, accusing the police of not acting against the protesters. In Kolkata, the students of Aliah University held protests in the Park Circus area raising slogans that it should be withdrawn.

On Thursday (April 11, 2025) State’s Minister and president of Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind Siddiqullah Chowdhury organised a major gathering in protest of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The Minister told the gathering that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had called him and said a motion would be brought in the State Assembly against Waqf (Amendment) Act. Amid violent protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Chief Minister had assured the members of the minority community that she would protect their rights and land and asked them not to be “restless”.

Meanwhile, the situation in Murshidabad where violence had erupted this week remained tense. There were reports of the deployment of BSF in areas where the 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 were reports of road blockade in Suti and and Samsherganj areas of Murshidabad district.

“The situation in 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,” West Bengal police said on social media.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Friday visited Mothabari in Malda district where communal clashes had occurred 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,” Mr. Adhikari said on social media.

Speaking to mediapersons, the Leader of Opposition said only judiciary is a resort to the people of the State and the people should lodge FIRs wherever there are flare ups. Mr. Adhikari also said a section of “secular media” is not telling the people about the happenings in the State.

Published - April 11, 2025 10:08 pm IST