- ISF supporters clashed with police en route to a protest rally in Kolkata.
- Vehicles were torched, and multiple injuries reported in South 24 Parganas.
- Mamata Banerjee reiterated that the Waqf Act won’t be implemented in West Bengal.
Violence erupted once again in West Bengal as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded with a plea for peace, emphasizing that protests should remain within legal bounds. She reassured the public that the contentious Waqf Act would not be implemented in the state.
Tensions Soar in West Bengal Amid Anti-Waqf Act Protests and Police Clashes
The protests, which began in Murshidabad with deadly clashes, have now spread to South 24 Parganas. On Monday, the conflict intensified when police stopped ISF supporters near Bhojerhat. The resulting confrontation saw vehicles set ablaze, officers injured, and major traffic disruptions on Basanti Highway.
ISF’s rally at Ramlila Maidan lacked official permission, which the police cited as justification for intervention. However, ISF leaders claimed their right to protest was being denied selectively, pointing fingers at the TMC government for suppressing dissent.
CM Mamata Banerjee has maintained that her administration will not implement the Waqf Act, attempting to pacify agitated groups. Still, her appeal for peaceful protest has had limited impact amid rising anger and misinformation fueling the unrest.
The Calcutta High Court’s directive to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) indicates the seriousness of the situation. With tensions running high and ISF gaining ground in certain districts, the political fallout could shape local dynamics in the months ahead.
The unrest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal highlights a deeper political and communal undercurrent, with law enforcement, local governance, and protest rights all under scrutiny. As emotions remain high, a peaceful resolution appears both urgent and elusive.
“Everybody has the democratic right to stage a peaceful protest with permission… Please do not indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion.” – Mamata Banerjee
