Normalcy is slowly returning to Murshidabad district in West Bengal after violence erupted during a protest against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on April 11, which left three dead and caused widespread panic and damage in the area.
As part of efforts to restore law and order, central forces have been deployed in violence-hit areas like Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and nearby localities. According to officials, the situation is now “under control” with local businesses reopening and displaced families returning from shelter homes.
Speaking to media, Jangipur SP Ananda Roy confirmed that 273 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. “Shops are open, and the public is roaming freely. Around 20 people returned here from the Malda shelter home the day before yesterday, and six more families have returned today,” he said.
SP Roy also said detentions were made in the ongoing investigation of a father-son murder case linked to the unrest. “The situation is improving every minute,” he added.
Meanwhile, local businesses, particularly fish sellers, voiced concerns about the economic impact of the violence.
Nephaur Rahman, a fish seller, shared his experience:
“Our business has been shut for five days. We are incurring losses, but today we’ve returned. We just want peace—if we don’t work, we can’t earn.”
Another seller, Motibur Sheikh, echoed the sentiment:
“We stayed away because of the violence. Now we’re back, but we’ve suffered a lot in the past few days. Peace is all we want.”
The violence has once again spotlighted the deep discontent surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Act in certain communities. The Act is currently under Supreme Court scrutiny, with the court hinting at possibly staying some provisions amid rising tensions in states like West Bengal.