Tue Apr 15 16:30:21 UTC 2025: ## Uneasy Calm Prevails in Violence-Hit West Bengal Districts

**Kolkata, April 15, 2025** – An uneasy calm has settled over the violence-stricken areas of Murshidabad district in West Bengal following three days without fresh incidents related to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. While some shops reopened for Poila Baisakh (Bengali New Year), public activity remained subdued, with many residents who fled to neighboring Malda district still hesitant to return.

The arrest of 221 individuals continues, with the latest including Kalu Nadaf and Dildar Nadaf, arrested by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the alleged murder of Hargobind Das and his son. Nine more arrests were made in connection with separate violence in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas district.

Despite the relative calm, public anger persists in areas like Domkal and Jafrabad, with calls for permanent deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Over 20 CAPF companies are currently deployed following a Calcutta High Court intervention.

Political representatives visiting the affected areas faced public anger. Trinamool Congress MP Khalilur Rehman and Malda South Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhury were both met with criticism, while Farakka MLA Manirul Islam reportedly left his residence. Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir questioned the occurrence of violence despite the presence of several representatives in the area.

Former Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury highlighted the delayed police response and called for an investigation into who hindered police action. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a meeting with Imams and Muezzins to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Act, reiterating that it will not be implemented in the state. In a related development, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board canceled a planned gathering in Kolkata. The situation remains tense, with the long-term consequences of the violence yet to be fully determined.

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