So far, 118 people have been arrested in connection with the violence that broke out in the district on Friday, according to police.
Kolkata/Berhampore: The Waqf Act will not be implemented in West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjee declared on Saturday amid violent protests in the state, particularly in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district, which has claimed at least three lives and left many others injured. In related development, the Calcutta high court on Saturday ordered deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the violence-hit Murshidabad district.
Stating that it cannot keep its eyes closed when such situations come up, a division bench presided over by Justice Soumen Sen ordered the deployment of CAPF in the affected areas of Murshidabad to assist in restoring normalcy.
The court said citizens must be provided with adequate security and protection to ensure peace and order in the region. The Central forces will operate in coordination with the state administration.
The court also instructed both the state government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.
Earlier in the day, urging for peace, Ms Banerjee posted on X, “My sincere appeal to all people of all religions, please remain calm, composed. Do not engage in any unrighteous behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious, do not incite riots for political interest. Those who are inciting riots are harming the society. Remember, we did not enact the law that many are angry with. The law was made by the Central government. So the answer has to be sought from the Central government.”
The Bengal chief minister pointed out: “We have made our position clear on this matter — we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is this riot for? Also remember, we will take legal action against those who are inciting the riots. We do not encourage any violent activity. Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their provocation. I think religion means humanity, goodwill, civilisation and harmony. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony.”
Ms Banerjee's announcement came as violence continued unabated in various parts of Murshidabad for the second consecutive day despite prohibitory orders, an Internet ban and a heavy police deployment.
Late on Friday night, Hargobinda Das (74) and his son Chandan (44) were hacked to death by angry protesters at their home in Jafrabad of Dhulian. The third victim, Ijaz Momin (21), had suffered a gunshot in firing at Sajur More in Suti on Friday. He succumbed to injuries at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.
Fresh violence erupted at Dhulian on Saturday morning when two Bidi factory workers — Golam Moinuddin Seikh (21) and a 12-year-old boy — suffered bullet injuries on their way to work. They were admitted to Jangipur Hospital later.
While the police denied shooting, the relatives of the injured victims blamed the factory’s private security guards for the firing.
In another incident, Farakka TMC MLA Manirul Islam's residence was ransacked by an angry mob. The attack took place at a stone's throw distance from Samserganj police station. The protesters alleged that Mr Islam's brother had shot at a teenaged boy Mosharof Hossain on Friday during a clash. Mr Islam denied his brother's involvement.
Armed protesters also torched and ransacked several shops and houses in the Dhulian Shiva temple bazaar area. They pelted stones and vandalised Dhulian town traffic control outpost and Dhulian Ganga railway station’s relay signal room and a railway gate and railway offices. So far the police have arrested 118 people on various charges, including arson and rioting.
During the day, Samserganj TMC MLA Amirul Islam and Jangipur TMC MP Khalilur Rahaman tried to pacify the protesters but to little avail. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari urged railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to seek an NIA probe from the Centre for vandalism of railway properties in stations in Jangipur.
