Murshidabad, April 17 : Violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district have left several families displaced and triggered a political outcry, officials and witnesses said.
The unrest, which erupted last week, led to widespread property damage, forcing many residents to flee. Some sought refuge in neighbouring Jharkhand’s Pakur district, while others were housed in relief camps in Malda district.
“I really don’t know what happened. I opened my shop in the morning and sat outside. They threw bricks and broke the doors. My television, mirror, furniture, two-three cupboards and all my money was at home. We came here day before last night,” an elderly man who fled to Pakur told ANI news agency.
The violence has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties, who accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of remaining silent amid the unrest. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the West Bengal government and welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s order to deploy central forces.
“Bengal is burning. The Chief Minister of the state is silent. She calls the rioters messengers of peace… Such anarchy should be controlled,” Adityanath said during a public address.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh alleged the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was creating fear in Hindu-minority areas ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. “They are trying to create an atmosphere of fear… Elections should be held under President’s rule,” Ghosh said.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who visited the injured at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, also criticised the state government. “People are struggling to survive, but the government is still not saying anything,” he said.
The Union Home Ministry has been briefed on preliminary investigations. Government sources indicated potential involvement of Bangladeshi elements, allegedly aided by local TMC leaders.
West Bengal authorities have yet to issue an official response regarding the violence or the allegations.
