Kolkata: As the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 fuels nationwide unrest, West Bengal has emerged as a focal point of resistance against the legislation. In the Murshidabad district, a surge in violent protests has led to heightened security measures, underscoring the deepening divide over the new law. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in early April, has sparked widespread opposition from Muslim organizations across the country, with protests escalating into violent clashes in West Bengal.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was recently tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively, and quickly gained momentum as it received the President’s assent on April 5, becoming law. However, its implementation has been met with fierce resistance. In Jangipur, West Bengal, protests turned violent, leading to damage to public property and prompting the deployment of additional security forces to maintain order. The situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur is now under control, following the intervention of law enforcement.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has instructed the state government to take immediate action against those responsible for disturbances, highlighting concerns over public order. Beyond West Bengal, protests have also been staged in Siliguri and Jaipur, with students from Aliah University in Kolkata joining the movement. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is spearheading a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the Waqf Act, while AIMIM leaders have voiced strong opposition, claiming that the bill unfairly targets the Muslim community.
