Fri Apr 18 16:31:40 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal School Reopens After Violent Protests
**Murshidabad, West Bengal –** Ghanashyampur Primary School in Murshidabad’s violence-hit Dhulian reopened on April 16th, five days after deadly protests erupted over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The school, with approximately 800 students, resumed classes for upper primary to Class 5 students despite the recent unrest that claimed three lives.
The April 11th and 12th violence, sparked by the new Act, saw mobs vandalizing shops and homes in Dhulian and Samsherganj. Teachers went door-to-door to encourage parents to send their children back to school, emphasizing the importance of returning to normalcy. While fear remains among residents, who are demanding a permanent Central force presence, the school’s reopening signifies a step towards restoring calm.
Teachers highlighted their commitment to maintaining education despite the tense atmosphere. They described the pre-violence atmosphere as one of communal harmony and cooperation between Hindu and Muslim staff, emphasizing that even amidst recent tragedy, they had united to support a deceased colleague’s family. A Class 5 student shared their fear but also expressed relief at returning to school. The principal noted that despite the violence, the school remained a testament to the previously peaceful coexistence in the area.
First Piper 