Murshidabad violence: Normalcy returning after Waqf Act protests
Following deadly clashes over the Waqf Amendment Act, Murshidabad sees calm return — but political blame games and fear among locals raise deeper concerns
Days after violent protests over the Waqf Amendment Act shook Murshidabad in West Bengal, signs of normalcy are gradually emerging. Shops have begun reopening, displaced families are returning, and the state’s security machinery remains on high alert to prevent further unrest.
Last Friday’s violence claimed three lives and left many injured. Over 200 people have been arrested so far. While peace efforts are underway, political clashes continue to inflame tensions, with the BJP and TMC trading sharp accusations over the causes and consequences of the violence.
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Security measures intensified
To prevent further unrest, nine BSF and eight CRPF companies have been deployed in vulnerable zones. The state police and central forces are conducting regular route marches and confidence-building operations across hotspots like Suti, Samsherganj, and Jangipur.
"BSF, since last Friday, we have been collaborating with the local police," said a BSF officer during a two-day assessment visit to the region. The additional presence of senior officials from the BSF and the police is part of the larger plan to stabilise the situation.
“We have to ensure that we get the right persons totally because one small or wrong arrest can lead to the case coming to cloud,” noted a senior security official, highlighting the sensitivity of law enforcement action.
Politics over peace
The political narrative has turned increasingly combative. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of negligence. He claimed, “Hundreds of Hindus are fleeing Murshidabad,” alleging a total breakdown of law and order.
On the other hand, TMC’s Kunal Ghosh countered these allegations by accusing the BJP of inciting violence. “There is a deep-rooted conspiracy here… to malign West Bengal,” he said, suggesting that the Opposition was working hand-in-glove with forces like the BSF to provoke unrest and gain political mileage.
Hindu families flee
Amid the heavy security presence and political back-and-forth, reports continue to surface of Hindu families fleeing their homes, fearing fresh attacks. Several shops have been looted, and many homes remain abandoned.
The atmosphere in Murshidabad remains tense. “Fear still looms large over the community,” a local source told The Federal, painting a grim picture of the lingering trauma.
As law and order stabilises slowly, the long-term challenge lies in rebuilding trust among communities and ensuring accountability through fair investigation.
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