Waqf Amendment Sparks Widespread Violence in West Bengal

 Kolkata, April 11, 2025 - Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act escalated into widespread violence across West Bengal on Friday, with demonstrators setting vehicles ablaze, clashing with security forces, and disrupting road and rail traffic.

In Murshidabad’s Suti, protesters gathered despite prohibitory orders, hurling stones at police and torching police vans and public buses. The unrest began after a group assembled following Friday prayers, blocking a stretch of National Highway-12 from Dakbanglo More in Shamsherganj to Sutir Sajur More. A senior police official told PTI that the violence intensified when protesters pelted stones at a police van, injuring approximately 10 policemen.

#WATCH | West Bengal | Morning visuals from Jangipur, Murshidabad, where people staged a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. Several vehicles were torched. Security has been heightened in the area.

As per the Bengal Police, the situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of… pic.twitter.com/6qB4juCdoz

— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2025

Police responded with lathi-charges and tear gas shells after protesters allegedly threw bomb-like objects. As the situation worsened, some officers sought refuge in nearby mosques, authorities said. The Border Security Force (BSF) was called in to restore order, and widespread raids are underway to arrest those responsible.

Key Developments in Bengal’s Waqf Protests

• On the New Farakka-Ajimganj route of Eastern Railway, a group obstructed railway tracks and damaged property between Dhulianganga and Nimita stations, halting train services for over seven hours. Around 5,000 protesters blocked level crossings, with one gate destroyed, though the blockade was lifted by 8:30 PM.
• Train movement was also disrupted on the Malda line due to protesters sitting on the tracks.
• In Jangipur, Murshidabad, demonstrations against the Waqf Amendment Act led to multiple vehicles being set on fire. Internet services, suspended earlier this week due to prior clashes, will continue alongside prohibitory orders, officials confirmed.
• In Dhuliian, Murshidabad, protests turned violent with clashes between demonstrators and security personnel, resulting in several vehicles being burnt. Bengal Police reported the situation is now under control.
• Reports emerged from Amtala in South 24 Parganas district, where protesters attacked and vandalized a police vehicle on Friday afternoon.
• In Kolkata, students from Aliah University staged a protest at Park Circus, while rallies against the Waqf Act were held in the Khidirpur area.

Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has directed the state government to take urgent and stringent action against those inciting violence in affected areas, including Murshidabad, Malda, and South 24 Parganas.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, recently passed by Parliament, has triggered significant unrest, with authorities working to stabilize the region amid ongoing tensions.