Waqf Protests In West Bengal’s Murshidabad Turn Violent; Train Movement Hit, Prohibitory Orders Issued

Last update:April 11, 2025, 20:03 IST

The WAQF amendment law, 2025, which was approved by both Chambers of Parliament last week after two days of marathon debates, and the native of President Droupadi Murmu, entered into force on Tuesday.

The violent protesters further blocked National Highway and threw stones in police vehicles and set on fire. (PTI)

WAQF Protests: The ongoing protests against the WAQF (amendment) law became violent in Murshidabad and Diamond Harbor of Western Bengal when the protesters threw stones at the police and set their car set on fire.

The WAQF amendment law, 2025, which was approved by both Chambers of Parliament last week after two days of marathon debates, and the native of President Droupadi Murmu, entered into force on Tuesday. However, people mainly from the Muslim community continued to organize protests against legislation, arguing that it eliminates the personal rights of Muslims.

According to the officials, a large number of people from the Muslim community had gathered after Friday’s prayers and began protesting against the WAQF law. The protests became violent when they allegedly threw stones at a police truck, which was happening close to taking the prisoners. Almost 10 police together with some protesters were injured to the clash.

The violent protesters further blocked National Highway and threw stones in police vehicles and set on fire.

Railway operations coup

The Minister of the Union and leader of BJP, Sukanta Majumdar, said that several express trains were interrupted due to ongoing protests.

1. 15644 Kamakhya – Puri Express in Dhulianganga (from 2:46 PM)

2. 53434 BARHARWA – AZIMGANJ PASSENGER IN BALLALPUR (from 3:00 p.m.)

3. 53022 Sahibganj – Azimganj Passenger in Barharwa (15:56 hours)

4. 13432 DN Nabadwip Dham Express in Malda Town (from 5:00 p.m.)

53027 Azimganj – Malda Town Passenger in Jangipur Road (from 5:11 p.m.

The law and order failed in Bengala: BJP

The BJP opposition accused the government led by Mamata Banerje not to stop community violence in the state.

Majumdar said that violent anti-Waqf protests have put the state at a dead point. In addition, he hit CM Mamata Banerje saying that his silence is deafening and condemnatory.

“This is not the first time. The State witnessed the duration of the anarchy similar to the protests #CAA. And what does Prime Minister @MamataOfficial? Nothing. Nothing is deafening and condemnatory. It shows that this is not this extremism for political gain.

“A conspiracy is being carried out to make Malda, Murshidabad, Dinajpur, Nadia, Birbhum, Howrah free districts of the Hindu population … people from Bangladesh come here and cause chaos. The Hindu threatened with which the active government that was carried out to the Mothabari, Murshidabad … Actied.

The opposition leader of Western Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, said that 86 Hindu and house stores were destroyed and looted to convert community violence.

“86 Hindu and house stores were destroyed and looted, the 24 people who have arrested bone are not those involved in the incident … I tried to go there, but they did not allow me. There alone … I will meet with the victim’s families, and I also intend to give them some compensation,” he told the news agency.

Earlier on Wednesday, 22 people were arrested in relation to violence in Murshidabad.

The prohibitory orders were held in the areas of the Raghunathganj and Suti police station after violence. Stones attacked to the police were thrown, and the force vehicles were burned by a mafia that blocked the NH-12, demanding the withdrawal of the legislet.

“From Tuesday night, 22 people have arrested on their legs in relation to violence,” said a police officer.

What is the WAQF law?

The WAQF amendment law aims to rationalize the management of WAQF properties (assets donated permanently by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare. It also seeks to improve governance improving transparency in property management, rationalization of coordination between WAQF meetings and local authorities and protecting the rights of interested parties.

Bill’s debated obtained the approval of President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday. It was approved in Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 opposing it, after a debate of 13 hours after midnight. He was authorized in the Lok Sabha in a vote of 288-232 after a 12-hour debate.

The opposition parties, including Congress, vociferantly criticized the WAQF bill as “unconstitutional” and “antidemocratic”, arguing that the government was interfering with the personal affairs of the religious minorities of India. Congress also opposed the appointment of non -Muslims at the WAQF Board.

Location:

Murshidabad, India, India