By Isha - Apr 15, 2025
West Bengal experiences unrest over the proposed Waqf Bill, leading to violence across districts. The bill, intended to reform Waqf property governance, faces backlash due to concerns over minority religious asset control and communal tensions. Protests erupt, clashes with police occur, and additional security forces are deployed. Conflicting statements from local leaders and concerns about rushed consultation further complicate the situation. Section 144 is imposed in affected areas, a dozen injuries reported, and multiple arrests made. The incident sheds light on the complex intersection of religion, land rights, and politics in India.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee via newsdanka.com
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West Bengal has been gripped by a wave of unrest following widespread opposition to the proposed Waqf Bill, with incidents of violence reported in several districts. The bill, aimed at reforming the governance of Waqf properties, has sparked intense backlash from various community groups, political parties, and civil society organizations, who claim the move could lead to increased control over minority religious assets and spark communal tensions.
The Waqf Bill, introduced with the intent of bringing transparency and tighter regulation to the management of Waqf properties, has been criticized by some as a politically motivated attempt to interfere with Muslim community affairs. Protests erupted shortly after the bill was tabled in the assembly, with demonstrators clashing with police forces in areas like Murshidabad, Howrah, and parts of Kolkata. Stones were pelted, vehicles set ablaze, and shops vandalized, prompting the deployment of additional security forces across sensitive zones.
Local leaders from both ruling and opposition parties have issued conflicting statements, further fueling public confusion. While the state government has appealed for calm and promised to address concerns through dialogue, opposition parties allege that the bill is being rushed without adequate consultation with stakeholders. Religious groups and Waqf board representatives argue that the bill could open the door to state interference in religious trusts and charitable institutions.
Authorities have imposed Section 144 in several violence-affected areas, restricting public gatherings and enforcing curfews to prevent further escalation. At least a dozen people have been injured, and multiple arrests have been made in connection with the violence. Analysts believe the situation in West Bengal highlights the sensitive intersection of religion, land rights, and politics in India. The Waqf system governs large tracts of land and property donated for religious or charitable use in the Muslim community, and any legislative change to its structure often sparks intense debate.
