Violence Erupts in South 24 Parganas Over Waqf Amendment Act
Fresh violence erupted in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district on April 14 as protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act escalated into open clashes. The unrest broke out in Bhangar when supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) attempted to march toward Ramlila Maidan in Kolkata to attend a rally organized by ISF MLA Naushad Siddique.
Police intercepted the protesters near Bhojerhat on the Basanti Highway, leading to a standoff. As the crowd tried to break through police barricades, tensions flared. Several police vehicles were set on fire and multiple officers were injured during the confrontation. Authorities responded with lathi-charges to disperse the crowd, citing that the rally lacked the necessary permissions.
Despite the violence, Naushad Siddique proceeded with the rally in Kolkata, where he lashed out at the Waqf (Amendment) Act and demanded its withdrawal. He accused the state administration of cracking down on protestors while claiming to oppose the Act politically.
Unrest Mirrors Murshidabad Clashes
The Bhangar incident comes just days after similar violence in Murshidabad, where protests against the same legislation led to widespread chaos. Clashes in Suti, Dhulian, and Jangipur resulted in the deaths of three individuals and several injuries. Properties were set ablaze, and over 200 people were arrested in connection with the riots.
In response to the Murshidabad violence, the Calcutta High Court had ordered the deployment of central paramilitary forces to restore order, citing failure of local law enforcement to control the situation effectively.
Government Response and Political Reactions
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be enforced in West Bengal. However, ISF leaders remain unconvinced, pointing to the aggressive police action taken against demonstrators. The BJP, meanwhile, has used the unrest to criticize the state government’s inaction, alleging a complete collapse of law and order and calling for more central oversight.
State authorities have launched an investigation into the Bhangar violence, registered multiple FIRs, and initiated raids to arrest those responsible. The public has been urged to maintain peace and avoid spreading misinformation, as the administration tries to prevent the unrest from escalating further.
The repeated eruptions of violence indicate deepening unrest over the Waqf Act in the state, as political divisions and communal sensitivities continue to fuel street-level confrontations.
