A torched vehicle during a protest against Waqf
(Amendment) Act, in Murshidabad district, Friday, April 11, 2025. (PTI Photo)
KOLKATA — The Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal,
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday amid violent protests in the
state, particularly in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district.
So far, 118 people have been arrested in connection with
the violence that broke out in the district on Friday, according to police.
"Remember, we did not make the law over which many
are agitated. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you
want should be sought from the central government," the CM said in a post
on X.
"We have made our position clear on this matter --
we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So
what is the riot about," she asked.
Her remarks came as fresh violence was reported from
Dhulian in Murshidabad's Samserganj, where one person sustained a bullet
injury.
"These are early reports that we need to
cross-check," he said.
The injured person was admitted to a hospital and is out
of danger, he added.
Shamim said that on Friday, four rounds were fired by the
police to control the violence in the district.
"In that firing, two persons were injured and are
under treatment," he said, maintaining that young men were falling prey to
"lies".
Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on
fire, stones were hurled at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence
rocked Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts during
protests over the new legislation on Friday.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar said strong
action would be taken against those indulging in violence, and the men in
uniform will do everything in their power to protect the lives and properties
of innocent citizens.
"The unfortunate incident that happened this
(Saturday) morning may have been triggered by unsubstantiated rumours being
spread from various quarters. I urge the people not to pay heed to such
provocations, which are clearly the handiwork of miscreants," he said.
"This is a fight between good and evil. Rumour
mongering has to be stopped. We will request people not to take the law and
order into their own hands. We assure them that the police will take the
strongest measure against the culprits and protect the lives and properties of
the common people," he said.
The chief minister urged people to maintain calm and not
fall prey to provocation.
"My sincere appeal to people of all religions,
please remain calm, remain restrained. Do not engage in any irreligious
behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious; do not incite
riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming
society," she said.
"We do not condone any violent activity. Some
political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give
in to their persuasions. I think religion means humanity, goodwill,
civilisation and harmony. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and
harmony," she said.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, meanwhile,
wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, demanding a probe by the National
Investigation Agency (NIA) into the vandalism of railway property in the
district.
"Let it be known that this was not an act of
protest, rather a premeditated act of violence, an assault on Democracy and
Governance by Jihadist forces who seek to spread chaos in order to assert their
dominance and sow fear amongst other Communities of our Society," he said
in a post on X.
"Public property was destroyed, Government Officials
felt threatened, and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation was created, all
under the false guise of dissent," he added.
State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar urged the TMC
government to strictly enforce the rule of law in Murshidabad.
Asserting that when the BJP comes to power in West
Bengal, "such vandalism by a section of minorities will be crushed in five
minutes", he alleged that the "appeasement-driven state
administration was not taking appropriate steps".
Majumdar, the Union Minister of State for Education,
claimed that the violence might have been orchestrated to divert focus from the
spontaneous protests over the Supreme Court invalidating the jobs of 26,000
school teachers.
"Hindus believe in the true concept of secularism,
pluralism, as they are peace-loving and non-violent. But if efforts are made to
drive out the Hindus from certain pockets in Murshidabad where Muslims are the
majority, ordinary people of Bengal, Hindus of Bengal will turn around to save
their dignity, honour and identity," he said.
