Mamata Banerjee Appeals for Peace Amid Anti-Waqf Protests: ‘Don’t Play Games with Religion’
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urged peace and unity on Monday as fresh violence erupted during anti-Waqf Act protests, warning against using religion as a political weapon.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for restraint and religious harmony on Monday amid escalating tensions in West Bengal linked to protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kalighat Skywalk in Kolkata, she warned protestors not to play games with religion.
“One shouldn’t play games with religion. Dharma means devotion, affection, humanity, peace, amity, culture, harmony, and unity,” she said. “We are born alone and we die alone; so why the fight? Why the riots, war, or unrest?”
Banerjee’s remarks came hours after clashes broke out in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, where members of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) allegedly clashed with police, injuring several officers and torching police vehicles.
Violence flared Monday evening after police attempted to stop ISF supporters from attending a rally at Ramlila Maidan in Kolkata, led by party MLA Naushad Siddique. Protestors reportedly blocked roads, attacked officers, and set fire to police vans and bikes.
“Some police vehicles were set on fire by the protesters and a few police personnel were injured when the agitators attacked the law enforcers,” a senior officer confirmed.
The unrest follows similar violence in Murshidabad last week, where three people were killed and over 200 arrested.
Banerjee emphasized unity and inclusivity in her speech. “Remember, one can win everything if we love people. But if we isolate ourselves, we won’t be able to win anyone. If someone is attacked – whether they are ignored, oppressed, deprived, marginalised, or from any religion – we stand by everyone,” she said.
The Chief Minister also urged people not to fall for misinformation or be misled by disruptive elements.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act has triggered widespread protests in several minority-dominated regions of West Bengal, with critics alleging misuse of the legislation. While some view it as an administrative reform, others see it as discriminatory or threatening religious rights.
The Calcutta High Court has ordered deployment of central forces to maintain law and order in affected districts including Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas.
As the situation remains tense, the state government has stepped up security and appealed for public cooperation. Central paramilitary forces continue to patrol volatile areas, and more arrests are likely as investigations progress.
Opposition parties, meanwhile, continue to blame the ruling Trinamool Congress for the unrest, accusing it of appeasement politics. The state government, in turn, has vowed firm action against perpetrators while urging for calm.
