Tensions Ease in Murshidabad Following Waqf Act Conflicts; Political Blame Game Increases

calm-returns-to-murshidabad-as-waqf-act-row-sparks-political-spat

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: April 14, 2025

Summary: The violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad, West Bengal, the situation has been stabilized amid heavy security, while political parties exchange accusations over the unrest.

Murshidabad district in West Bengal is experiencing a tense calm after violent protests erupted over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Three were killed and over ten were injured in the clash, it also caused severe harm to property, including attacks on public facilities and arson.

The violence began on April 8, with protesters blocking National Highway 12, setting police vehicles ablaze, and disrupting train services at Nimtita railway station. To restore order in impacted areas like Suti, Shamserganj, and Jangipur, authorities have implemented Section 144, prohibited internet access, and sent in more security personnel, including nine Border Security Force (BSF) companies and eight Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies.

As of April 14, no new incidents have been reported, and residents who had fled to neighboring Malda are gradually returning home. However, the political climate remains charged.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleges a larger conspiracy involving sections of central agencies and political opponents, suggesting that miscreants exploited border gaps with assistance from parts of the BSF.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, says that hundreds of Hindus were forced to leave their homes and blames the state government for not upholding law and order.

The Calcutta High Court has stepped in, ordering the deployment of central forces to maintain peace and requesting a status report from the state administration on the actions taken to contain the situation.

While the immediate violence has stopped, underlying tensions remain, with both major parties trading blame for the causes and handling of the disturbance.