West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday called for calm and peace as tensions rise in parts of the state, particularly in Murshidabad, over protests against the controversial Waqf Amendment Act. The protests, which have turned violent in some areas, have resulted in casualties and injuries, leading to widespread unrest.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Kalighat Skywalk in Kolkata, Banerjee stressed the importance of maintaining peace, emphasizing the right to protest but cautioning citizens not to take the law into their own hands. “We live once and die once. So, why is there a riot? Every caste and religion has the right to protest, but do not take the law into your hands… Some people are trying to mislead you; do not pay attention to them,” Banerjee stated.
The Waqf Amendment Act, which has sparked protests across the country, has been criticized for undermining the autonomy of Muslim religious endowments. While Banerjee assured the public that the law would not be implemented in West Bengal, the situation has escalated, especially in Murshidabad, where three deaths have been reported due to the violent protests. The Calcutta High Court has intervened, ordering the immediate deployment of central forces to restore order in the affected areas.
Banerjee called on citizens not to use religion as a tool for division. “Dharma means devotion, affection, humanity, peace, amity, culture, harmony, and unity,” she said, emphasizing that loving human beings is one of the highest expressions of any religion. “Why the fight? Why the riots, war, or unrest?” she asked, urging people to focus on unity and human connection rather than differences.
She further asserted that standing by people in times of distress, regardless of their religion, was essential for a peaceful society. “We have custodians of the law; we do not need those who operate outside it. When someone tries to incite you, do not fall for the trap,” Banerjee warned, encouraging the public to remain calm and focused. “Those who keep their mind calm amid all provocation are the real winners. That is real victory,” she added.
Meanwhile, the violence in Murshidabad continues to raise concerns. The situation remains tense, and security forces have been deployed to manage the unrest. On Saturday, the Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate deployment of central forces in the district following widespread violence that led to the deaths and injuries of several people. The violence erupted during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, which critics argue disproportionately affects the Muslim community.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader in West Bengal, has demanded that elections be held under President’s Rule in areas where Hindus are in the minority, citing concerns over voting rights in the aftermath of the Murshidabad violence. Adhikari also called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the violence, describing it as “anti-national activities.”
Speaking to the press, Adhikari stated, “After such explosions and firing incidents, the NIA should investigate these as anti-national activities… Wherever Hindus are in the minority, they don’t let Hindus vote, and hence, the elections must be held under President’s Rule for the sake of democracy.”
Security forces have ramped up their presence in other areas, including the South 24 Parganas region, where protestors have blocked roads. In the violence-hit town of Dhuliyan in the Murshidabad district, security personnel conducted a flag march to maintain order. A heavy police presence remains in place to prevent further escalation.
Ravi Kumar Gandhi, ADG Eastern Command of the BSF, visited the affected areas on Monday and reported that the situation was gradually returning to normal. “Since last Friday, we, the BSF, have been working closely with the local police and doing whatever is required to normalize the situation. Now, the CRPF has also come. Yesterday, the situation was relatively very peaceful,” Gandhi told ANI. He expressed confidence that the situation would stabilize soon, with security forces actively responding to any new threats.
As the unrest continues, both state and central authorities are working to de-escalate tensions, but the calls for peace and unity from leaders like Mamata Banerjee are critical in navigating these challenging times.
