Anti-Waqf Act stir turns violent in Assam as protesters hurl stones at cops
Several hundred people blocked the road while staging a protest against the Waqf law and a few of them started hurling stones when the cops tried to clear the way
Protesters hurled stones while the police used batons at a rally held against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on Sunday (April 13) when agitators and police clashed in Cachar district of Assam, a senior official said.
The official told PTI that several hundred people hit the streets in Berenga area of Silchar town without permission to protest the recently enacted legislation.
Also read: Waqf Act row: 3 dead in Murshidabad violence; HC orders deployment of central forces
“Around 300-400 people were protesting by blocking the road. When we tried to clear the path, a few of them threw stones at us. We had to use mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd,” he added.
No one detained yet
The area has been cleared now, the official said. He said that a case has been registered, but no one has been detained or arrested yet.
The protesters showed black flags and shouted slogans against the BJP government, demanding repeal of the Act.
The areas affected by the violence include Chamragudam, Berenga and old Lakhipur road areas in Silchar. Cachar police chief Numal Mahatta said, “Initially, it was peaceful, but some troublemakers entered the rally and tried to create a law and order problem. However, we managed to control the situation. Around 300-400 people had gathered to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. All perpetrators who tried to disturb the peace will be charged under the law.”
Protests in other states
Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday claimed that the state police had a “strong intelligence” report that there could be “some disturbances” during protests by the minority community against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Also read: Murshidabad riots: Arrests go up to 150, BJP MP seeks AFSPA in Bengal
Muslims in several parts of the country have hit the streets to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. In West Bengal's Murshidabad, three people have been killed after protests against the law turned violent. The Calcutta High Court has ordered that central forces be deployed to keep the peace. In Tripura, several cops were injured during a clash between the police and protesters against the Act.
(With agency inputs)
