Violence Erupts in Murshidabad Over Wakf Law, 118 Arrested; Mamata Banerjee Says Law is Central, Not Applicable in State; Internet Services Suspended.
West Bengal: Following violence in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, protesting the Wakf (Amendment) Act, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued her first statement. She asserted that the law was enacted by the central government, not the state government, and that accountability should be sought from the central government. 118 individuals were arrested during the violence; several police vehicles were set ablaze in multiple districts, and security forces faced stone-pelting.
Mamata Banerjee's Statement Against the Violence
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee explicitly stated, "We did not enact this law; it is the act of the central government. The questions being raised about it should be addressed to the central government." Banerjee also clarified that the Wakf Act will not be implemented in the state and that the government will seek a response from the center on this issue.
Internet Services Suspended in Murshidabad
Due to the severity of the violence in Murshidabad, the administration suspended internet services and imposed a curfew. Police reported arresting 70 individuals in Suti and 41 in Samserganj. Police patrols continue, and gatherings in public spaces are prohibited.
BJP Urges Central Intervention
The opposition BJP condemned the Mamata government's response to the escalating violence in West Bengal. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari termed the violence a pre-planned act and an attack on democracy and governance. The BJP appealed to the center for assistance and demanded a NIA investigation.
Injured Youth Receiving Treatment After Police Firing
A young man was injured during the police firing in Murshidabad and admitted to a Kolkata hospital. He is currently receiving treatment, and his condition is reported to be stable.
Demand for Judicial Action
The BJP demanded b action against those behind the violence, urging prosecution under stringent laws. The opposition also stated that these acts, targeting crucial public infrastructure like railway stations, not only pose a threat to national security but also disrupt essential services.
