Waqf Law Stir Turns Violent in West Bengal
The clash occurred when the demonstrators, who had gathered under the banner of Social Democratic Party of India at Jangipur PWD ground in the afternoon, took out a rally to block a road on Bhagirathi Bridge.
Berhampore: Two police vehicles were set on fire and six persons were injured in a clash during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act at Jangipur in Murshidabad of West Bengal on Tuesday.
The clash occurred when the demonstrators, who had gathered under the banner of Social Democratic Party of India at Jangipur PWD ground in the afternoon, took out a rally to block a road on Bhagirathi Bridge. Internet services have also been suspended in the area for next three days.
They were shouting slogans against the changes in the law. The police foiled the attempt and lathicharged the protesters and lobbed teargas shells to disperse them. The demonstrators turned violent, pelting stones at the police and torching two police vehicles. The list of injured included two constables, a fire brigade personnel and three young protesters. Five persons were arrested by the police for the violence.
Rapid Action Force has been deployed in the troubled areas. Tension was brewing in the district since Monday night when a group of protesters tried to put up railway blockade at Nimtita and Sujnipara Halt stations but the railway protection force and cops dispersed them.
Prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita have been imposed for next 48 hours in areas under Suti and Raghunathganj police stations in Jangipur.
In the evening, the state police posted on X-handle, “The situation in Jangipur is completely under control. The unruly mob has been dispersed. Traffic has returned to normalcy on the national highway. Strict action will be taken against those who have resorted to violence. Legal action will also be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation. We request all not to heed rumours and keep calm.”
BJP blamed the Mamata Banerjee government for the unrest. Leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari posted on X-handle, “The WB Govt and Administration are failing to maintain law & order, because they are deliberately turning a blind eye to protect the ruling party’s vote bank. I request Chief Secretary and DM Murshidabad to seek Hon'ble Governor's and MHA's assistance for the deployment of Central Force as the Police clearly seem to be incapable to handle such lawlessness.
That's the only way to ensure that law prevails, and those who disrupt normalcy face justice.”