Calcutta HC Orders Deployment Of Central Forces To Restore Peace In Murshidabad After Anti-Waqf Protest Violence

Murshidabad: The Calcutta High Court has ordered the deployment of central forces in the Murshidabad district to stop violence over protests against the Waqf Act.

The court's order came after BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the state legislative assembly Suvendu Adhikari sought the deployment of central forces in the district bordering Bangladesh.

Murshidabad has been tense since April 8 as protests against the recently passed Waqf Act turned violent as protesters clashed with the police.

On Friday, fresh violence broke out during protests against the Waqf act. A father-son duo were killed by a mob during the unrest, which continued on Saturday. At least 110 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence, with police raids continuing across multiple locations.

Amid the violent protests, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Waqf act will be implemented in the state. While the BJP has targeted the Trinamool Congress over the violence, also holding counter-protests.

Banerjee also appealed for peace and said the Waqf law was enacted by the Centre, and that questions should be directed to them.

Banerjee took to micro-blogging website X and said, "My sincere appeal to people of all religions, please remain calm, remain restrained. Do not engage in any irreligious behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious; do not incite riots for the sake of politics."

সবার কাছে আবেদন

সব ধর্মের সকল মানুষের কাছে আমার একান্ত আবেদন, আপনারা দয়া করে শান্ত থাকুন, সংযত থাকুন। ধর্মের নামে কোনো অ-ধার্মিক আচরণ করবেন না। প্রত্যেক মানুষের প্রাণই মূল্যবান, রাজনীতির স্বার্থে দাঙ্গা লাগাবেন না। দাঙ্গা যারা করছেন তারা সমাজের ক্ষতি করছেন।

মনে রাখবেন, যে…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 12, 2025

Authorities said the situation is now under control, with the Border Security Force (BSF) assisting state police in maintaining law and order. A large contingent of security personnel has been deployed in sensitive areas.