There was widespread unrest in some areas of West Bengal on Friday when demonstrations against the Waqf Amendment Act took a violent turn. Murshidabad district, especially Nimtita and Suti, saw clashes between agitators and security officials. Protesters stopped train tracks at Nimtita railway station for hours and damaged railway property, prompting Railway Police Force to use lathicharge. Protesters threw stones at police officers, which injured them.
To restore the situation to normal, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were deployed. Authorities later confirmed that the situation had been stabilised, though unease persisted.
Crude Bombs Hurled at Police, Several Injured
Violence also broke out at the Sajur Crossing region under Suti police station, where protesters allegedly hurled crude bombs and stones at state police officials. Passersby and policemen were injured, and the police were forced to retaliate against the mob. Reinforcements were rushed to the region to control the mayhem.
Unrest Spreads Across Districts
The same was the case in South 24 Parganas’ Amtala locality, where traffic on National Highway 117 was disrupted as protesters clashed with police. In Hooghly’s Champdani locality, the situation was the same elsewhere.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari denounced the violence, stating, “These people, who have made it very clear that they are against the Constitution of India. have occupied the streets.” He blamed the state for plunging into “anarchy and lawlessness.”
Governor Demands Firm Action, Issues Warning Against Lawlessness
Governor CV Ananda Bose made a video statement after conducting secret talks with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating, “All action would be taken against the miscreants. No one would be permitted to take the law in their own hands.” The Governor’s office previously directed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to provide firm action to bring back order.
In spite of police assurances, tension remained in several districts until late night.