Kolkata: In the aftermath of devastating unrest in Murshidabad, West Bengal witnessed another surge of violence in South 24 Parganas district, as protests against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act continued. The Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police in the Bhangar area, leading to the arson of police vehicles and injuries on both sides. This escalating situation underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding the new Waqf laws, which have sparked widespread protests and calls for reform.
The violence in South 24 Parganas erupted as ISF supporters attempted to reach Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata for an anti-Waqf rally, despite lacking official permission. MLA Naushad Siddique addressed the gathering, labeling the new law an “attack on Muslims and an assault on the Constitution.” The police resorted to lathi-charges to disperse the crowds, but questions remain about why protesters were halted despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s assurance that the new Waqf laws would not be implemented in West Bengal.
Last week, the protests in Murshidabad district resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and over 200 arrests. The area has been haunted by moments of communally charged violence, with residents still reeling from the destruction of property and the breakdown of community harmony. Parliament’s passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been met with opposition, particularly over the inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf boards. As the situation continues to unfold, the Supreme Court is set to hear 15 petitions challenging the new Waqf laws on April 16, signaling a crucial legal battle ahead.
