Fri Apr 11 23:21:38 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal Sees Violent Protests Against New Waqf Act; Nationwide Demonstrations Continue

**Kolkata, West Bengal –** Heightened security measures are in place in Jangipur, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, following violent demonstrations against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act. Protests, which resulted in damage to public property in Suti and Samserganj areas, have since been brought under control, according to police.

The unrest follows a directive from West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose urging the state government to crack down on those responsible for disturbances across the state, including Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas districts. Similar protests against the Act erupted in Siliguri, with demonstrators demanding its repeal, and in Kolkata, where students from Aliah University staged a demonstration.

The demonstrations are part of a nationwide campaign by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) to raise awareness and opposition to the Act. Protests were also held in Jaipur, with participation from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), who allege the bill is a conspiracy to seize Waqf properties. AIMIM state president Jameel Khan cited party leader Asaduddin Owaisi’s parliamentary opposition to the bill as evidence of its detrimental impact on the Muslim community.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by both houses of Parliament and signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu on April 5th, continues to face strong opposition. While opposition parties protest the Act, the BJP has launched a counter-campaign to highlight its perceived benefits to the Muslim community. The campaign, running from April 20th to May 5th, aims to educate the public on the purported advantages of the amended Waqf Act.

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