Bengal Government Relents: Ends Months-Long Standoff Over Centre’s Waqf Amendment Act

Bengal Government Ends Months-Long Standoff Over Centre’s Waqf Amendment Act Amid Border District Violence and Rising Communal Tensions

In what West Bengal law enforcement authorities describe as a ‘pre-planned’ and ‘coordinated’ plot, sections of the Muslim population in Murshidabad, Malda, and parts of South 24 Parganas unleashed widespread violence following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Act. Three deaths have been reported, including a father and son from Shamsherganj who were hacked to death, and one individual who succumbed to bullet injuries. The unrest has reopened old political tensions in the state, drawing national attention to the volatile border districts.

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Police Response and Public Safety Measures
Addressing the media, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar warned against incitement and misinformation. He confirmed that the situation was brought under control last evening, highways were reopened, and forces remained in place. Fresh trouble erupted when an unruly mob attacked the police, prompting a measured response. Standard riot control measures, including tear gas and baton charges, were employed, and police fired four rounds as a last resort. Two individuals were hospitalised but are now out of danger. Reinforcements, including senior officers of ADG and IG rank, were deployed to manage the situation.

BSF Deployment and Firing Incidents
Reports of another firing incident surfaced on Saturday morning. Jawed Shamim, ADG (Law and Order), confirmed that the police were not involved. BSF personnel were deployed along the border to control the mob, and one person reportedly sustained injuries but remains out of danger. These districts, sharing sensitive and largely porous borders with Bangladesh, saw a series of coordinated incidents of vandalism and unrest, with Murshidabad’s Jangipur emerging as the epicentre of violence.

Historical Context and Regional Demographics
Murshidabad and Malda have traditionally been Muslim-majority districts due to historical factors, including Nawab-era governance. The porous border with Bangladesh, combined with alleged political patronage, has resulted in ongoing illegal migration, which has contributed to demographic shifts and communal tensions. Jangipur Parliamentary constituency, once represented by former President Pranab Mukherjee, remains politically sensitive. The constituency is around 65–68 per cent Muslim, with an 80 per cent rural population, and has witnessed repeated communal incidents. The area has been a political hotspot with the BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) contesting for influence, particularly following recent electoral gains by the BJP in the Jangipur assembly segment.

Pattern of Violence and Targeted Attacks
The unrest mirrored earlier violence seen during NRC-CAA protests, with roads, vehicles, trains, and government infrastructure coming under attack. Critical facilities, including BDO offices and political residences, were targeted, suggesting a deliberate strategy rather than spontaneous rioting. Protesters also blocked key national highways and rail lines, halting transport and disrupting public services. Police and railway authorities acted promptly to prevent further escalation.

Political Dimensions and ISF Involvement
Police intelligence reports indicate that the Indian Secular Front (ISF), led by cleric Abbas Siddiqui of Furfura Sharif, played a central role in orchestrating the violence. The ISF has positioned itself as a voice for marginalised Muslims and Dalits dissatisfied with the TMC. Evidence suggests that socio-political grievances were exploited to mobilise crowds, with specific targets chosen to destabilise civic administration. Nearly 128 arrests have been made, with investigations ongoing to determine the involvement of external elements, including illegal Bangladeshi migrants and mercenaries from other states.

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Implications for Bengal’s Border Politics
The series of violent events highlights the fragile balance in Bengal’s border districts and underscores the challenges of managing communal sentiment in a politically charged environment. With assembly elections approaching and multiple political actors vying for influence, unchecked unrest could set a dangerous precedent. The end of the months-long standoff over the Centre’s Waqf Amendment Act by the Bengal government may provide temporary relief, but deeper fault lines remain, necessitating continued vigilance and robust law enforcement.

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