Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.): The situation in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district is gradually returning to normal after violent clashes broke out over the amended Waqf Act. Authorities, along with security forces, continue to maintain strict vigil to prevent any resurgence of unrest.
Paramilitary forces including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), State Armed Police, and Rapid Action Force have been deployed in large numbers in sensitive areas such as Jangipur, Dhuliyan, Suti, and Shamsherganj. According to officials, no fresh incidents of violence have been reported in the past 48 hours.
The West Bengal police have confirmed that normal life is slowly resuming. Shops that had remained shut during the unrest are reopening, and residents who had fled their homes amid the violence are beginning to return.
Trinamool Congress MP from Jangipur, Khalilur Rahaman, said, “People who had left their homes during the violence are returning, and normalcy is being restored across affected areas. The state government is also providing assistance to the victims.” He appealed to the public not to believe in rumors that could further disrupt peace.
Rahaman also informed that the district administration is preparing a list of affected families who will receive compensation based on the extent of property damage suffered during the violence.
Violence had erupted on Friday and Saturday in areas such as Suti, Dhuliyan, and Jangipur following protests against the amended Waqf Act. According to police reports, at least three people were killed and several others injured in the clashes. So far, 210 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
——
BSF ADG Reviews Situation, Joint Strategy Formed
On Monday, Additional Director General of BSF (Eastern Command) Ravi Gandhi led a delegation to the violence-hit areas of Suti, Shamsherganj, and Dhuliyan—Muslim-majority regions that witnessed the worst of the clashes. Gandhi stated, “We have devised a joint patrolling strategy in coordination with senior police officers and are working closely with the state police to restore peace and stability in the region.”
——-
Fresh Violence Erupts in Bhangar
Meanwhile, fresh violence was reported on Monday in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district, also linked to protests over the Waqf Act. Clashes erupted between Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters and the police, leading to injuries and damage to public property. Several police vehicles were also set ablaze.
The incident occurred when police attempted to stop ISF supporters from attending a protest rally at Kolkata’s Ramlila Maidan. The rally was scheduled to be addressed by party leader and Bhangar MLA, Naushad Siddique.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
