NEW DELHI: Tension flared up once more in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Saturday morning as fresh protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent in Jangipur, with demonstrators torching multiple vehicles. Visuals from the area showed flames and smoke billowing from burning vehicles as security forces were deployed to restore order.
The Bengal Police said the situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur was now “under control”. Security has been heightened, and large contingents of police have been stationed in sensitive pockets of the district.
The latest unrest follows violent protests on Tuesday at Umarpur in the same district, where nine people, including four policemen, were injured during clashes. Protesters, who had blocked NH-12 in Jangipur demanding withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, pelted stones at the police and set two police vehicles ablaze. “Strict action will be taken against those who resorted to violence. Legal action will be initiated against rumour mongers trying to spread misinformation,” the police had said in a statement.
Prohibitory orders remain in force around the Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas, with internet services suspended in Jangipur subdivision to curb the spread of rumours. “The situation is calm, peaceful and under control. There has not been a single untoward incident. Prohibitory orders will remain in place till 6 pm on April 10 (Thursday), and the internet suspension will continue till 6 pm on April 11 (Friday),” said a senior officer.
Governor C V Ananda Bose condemned the violence and demanded accountability from the state government. “Attempts to disturb the law and order situation should be put down with an iron hand. The peaceful passage of Ram Navami festivities shows the camaraderie among the people of Bengal and the competence of the administration. Any attempt to frustrate that needs to be curbed,” he said.
However, the state government faced criticism from multiple quarters. Mass Education Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury said, “Even during the Left rule, police never baton-charged minorities. If someone has resorted to violence, action must be taken. But resorting to lathi charge on a rally is unacceptable.”
The BJP accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of failing to maintain law and order. “West Bengal, once safeguarded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, is now bleeding under Mamata Banerjee,” said state BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar, labelling her “India’s most failed CM”.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, which triggered the protests, was passed by the parliament last week.
