Tensions escalated in Murshidabad’s Jangipur on Tuesday as protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent. Demonstrators, who had been rallying against the Act for the past two days, attempted to block National Highway- 34.
When police intervened to stop them, chaos broke out, resulting in multiple clashes. The protesters set two police vehicle ablaze.
The protest began with a peaceful procession in Banipur, where agitators raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the Act. They warned that their movement would continue unless the Act was revoked.
“The situation quickly spiraled out of control when the group moved to block the highway. As we tried to disperse the crowd, the demonstrators launched an attack, pelting bricks at the officers. In response, the police fired tear gas shells in an effort to control the mob,” said a police officer.
Amid the violence, the protesters torched two police vehicles.
According to police, at least two personnel were injured during the stone-pelting. Initially forced to retreat, the police later returned in large numbers under the leadership of Jangipur police district superintendent Anand Roy. The reinforced force succeeded in regaining control of the situation.
Protests demanding the withdrawal of the Act have been ongoing in various areas including Jangipur, Suti, Shamsherganj, and Raghunathganj in minority dominated Murshidabad district. The unrest reached its peak on Tuesday, prompting heightened security measures in the area.
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