Fresh violence over Waqf Act in Bengal as ISF workers clash with police

Supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) on Monday (April 14) clashed with the police at Bhangar in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district during protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to several injuries and torching of multiple police vehicles.

Also read: Waqf Act row: 3 dead in Murshidabad violence; HC orders deployment of central forces

The clash erupted when police stopped ISF supporters from heading towards Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata to attend an anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act rally addressed by party leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddique.

Police vehicles set afire

According to police sources, the ISF activists were stopped near Bhojerhat on the Basanti Highway, where a large number of them had gathered from Bhangar as well as neighbouring areas such as Minakhan and Sandeshkhali.

Tension escalated when the crowd attempted to break through police barricades, leading to a clash between the two sides.

“Some police vehicles were set on fire by the protesters and a few police personnel were injured when the agitators attacked the law enforcers,” a senior police officer said.

Cops resort to baton charge

Eyewitnesses said police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the protesters, as the rally at Ramlila Ground didn’t have proper police permission, leading to at least one ISF worker sustaining a head injury.

The situation spiralled quickly, prompting ISF activists to stage a protest on the highway, leading to long traffic snarls along the stretch.

Also read: Murshidabad riots: Arrests go up to 150, BJP MP seeks AFSPA in Bengal

A large police force, including senior officers, was deployed to bring the situation under control. A high alert was sounded in the nearby areas. The protesters were later dispersed.

‘Won’t accept this Act’

Addressing the gathering in Kolkata, Siddique criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Act and demanded its withdrawal.

“This law is not just an attack on Muslims, it is an assault on the Constitution. We won't accept this Act. The government that supports such laws must go,” he said.

ISF also accused the BJP of trying to incite communal tension, and the ruling TMC of suppressing Opposition protests.

“The chief minister has said the new Waqf law will not be implemented in West Bengal. We welcome that. But then why are police stopping our workers from attending a peaceful rally? Does the right to protest belong only to the Trinamool Congress?” he asked.

Canning Purba TMC MLA Showkat Mollah, dismissed the ISF as a “party of no consequence.” He alleged that they are trying to provoke unrest and create disturbances.

Violence in other parts

Communal violence broke out in parts of Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian, and Jangipur, on Friday and Saturday during protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. At least three people were killed and several others injured in the violence.

Also read: Anti-Waqf Act stir turns violent in Assam as protesters hurl stones at cops

Visuals from the affected areas showed charred remains of shops, homes, and hotels.

In a bid to calm tempers, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that her government would not implement the Waqf Act in the state.

Acting on a petition filed by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday directed the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the violence-hit areas to maintain law and order.

(With agency inputs)