Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 12: The West Bengal Police have brought the situation under control in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur, Murshidabad district, following violent protests against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The unrest, which involved an unruly mob damaging public property and disrupting traffic, was curbed through swift police intervention. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that traffic has returned to normal on the national highway passing through the affected areas.
West Bengal Police took to X to update citizens, stating, “The situation in Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur is now under control. The unruly mob has been dispersed by effective police action. Traffic has returned to normalcy on the national highway. Strict action will be taken against those who have resorted to violence. Raids are being conducted to arrest the troublemakers. Legal action will also be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation. We request all not to heed rumours and keep calm.”
Security measures were heightened in Jangipur after the protests erupted. Demonstrators, primarily opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, clashed with authorities, prompting concerns over public safety.
On Friday, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose called on the Mamata Banerjee-led government to take strict action against those responsible for the violence, which also affected other areas including Amtala, Dhuliyan, and parts of North 24 Parganas.
Similar protests were held in Siliguri, where a Muslim organisation urged the central government to repeal the amended Act. Students from Aliah University in Kolkata also staged a protest against the legislation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively. It passed both Houses and received presidential assent on April 5, officially becoming law.
While opposition parties have continued to voice resistance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to launch a ‘Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign’ from April 20 to May 5, aimed at highlighting the benefits of the Act to the Muslim community.