Waqf Protests Turn Violent in West Bengal; Train Services Hit, Prohibitory Orders Imposed
Protests against the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, turned violent in West Bengal’s Murshidabad and Diamond Harbor on Friday, resulting in injuries to police personnel and demonstrators, significant disruption to train services, and the imposition of prohibitory orders in parts of the state.
Following Friday prayers, large crowds gathered in Muslim-dominated areas to protest the legislation. Violence erupted when protesters allegedly hurled stones at a police van carrying prisoners, injuring at least 10 police officers and several demonstrators. Protesters set vehicles ablaze, including a police car, and blocked National Highway 12.
The unrest also hit rail operations, with at least two trains cancelled and five diverted. Affected trains included the Kamakhya–Puri Express, Barharwa–Azimganj Passenger, and Nabadwip Dham Express, among others.
In response to the escalating violence, the West Bengal Police imposed prohibitory orders in the Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas. “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,” the police stated on social media.
Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the violence and warned of stringent action. “Protest is welcome under democracy, but not violence. Bengal deserves peace. All action will be taken against miscreants,” he said, adding that the Chief Secretary has assured stern steps are being taken.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanded the imposition of Article 355 in several districts, including Murshidabad, Malda, and Birbhum, citing a breakdown in law and order. “West Bengal is witnessing large-scale violence and lawlessness. Central assistance must be sought immediately,” Adhikari said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He further alleged that over 86 shops and homes belonging to Hindus were looted or destroyed and criticized the state government for refusing him permission to visit the affected areas. A court has since allowed him to go alone to meet victims’ families.
Meanwhile, the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress government of fostering communal tensions through years of alleged appeasement politics. “This is not governance. This is betrayal,” the party’s state unit said in a social media post, sharing visuals of the protests.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar echoed these concerns, saying, “Mamata Banerjee’s silence is deafening. This violence is happening with her knowledge, if not her direct blessing.”
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh claimed that a conspiracy is underway to alter the state’s demographic fabric and called for stronger support to the Hindu community in the affected areas.
Twenty-two individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the unrest, and raids are ongoing to identify and detain other culprits. Authorities have also warned against the spread of misinformation and urged the public to remain calm.
The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025—cleared by Parliament last week and signed by President Droupadi Murmu—aims to enhance transparency in the management of Waqf properties. The law introduces provisions for safeguarding heritage assets, improving governance, and streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local bodies. Critics, however, argue that it infringes on the personal and religious rights of the Muslim community and disproportionately empowers non-Muslim stakeholders in the Waqf system.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have labeled the Act “unconstitutional” and “anti-democratic,” with particular criticism leveled at clauses that allow non-Muslims to serve on Waqf Boards.
