Sun Apr 13 06:42:17 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal Erupts in Violence Following Passage of Waqf Amendment Bill

**Kolkata, West Bengal** – West Bengal is grappling with widespread violence and protests sparked by the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill. The unrest, concentrated primarily in the Murshidabad district, has led to clashes, property damage, and allegations of religious persecution.

The Calcutta High Court, citing a “grave and volatile” situation, ordered the deployment of central forces to quell the violence and maintain peace in affected areas like Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur. Prohibitory orders are currently in place to prevent large gatherings.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed for calm, blaming those involved in the riots for harming society. She emphasized that the law in question was enacted by the central government, not the state government, and reiterated her party’s opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act.

However, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleges that over 400 Hindus have been forced to flee their homes, accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of appeasement politics that has emboldened radical elements. He claims Hindus are facing “religious persecution” and are “running for their lives.”

Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed concern over the violence and welcomed the High Court’s intervention, stating that the court’s decision was “appropriate.”

The violence began on April 8th with stone-throwing incidents and the burning of police vehicles. West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar stated that the protests, initially peaceful demonstrations, escalated into destruction of public property and then took on a communal dimension. He emphasized that the state police were instructed to not tolerate any hooliganism.

The unrest presents a significant political challenge for Chief Minister Banerjee as she prepares for next year’s assembly elections. The situation is further complicated by ongoing protests from over 26,000 teachers whose appointments were recently cancelled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities.

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