Mamata rejects Waqf law, urges calm in violence-hit Murshidabad
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has firmly said her government will not implement the Narendra Modi-led central government's newly-enacted Waqf law in the state.
Pointing to the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad district on Saturday, Banerjee appealed for calm and urged all communities to refrain from being provoked by political interests.
"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 the riot about?" Banerjee wrote on social media platform X.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
She appealed to the public, saying, "My sincere appeal to all people of all religions: please remain calm, remain restrained. Do not engage in any unrighteous behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious. Do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming society."
The statement came a day after violent protests erupted in parts of Murshidabad following Friday prayers, reportedly triggered by rumours regarding the central government's Waqf legislation.
According to Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, misinformation led to large-scale unrest, resulting in clashes between protesters and police.
At least 15 police officials were injured during the violence, which saw government buildings, police outposts, railway offices and shops vandalised and set on fire. Residents described the chaos as a "night of horror," recounting how law enforcement was initially absent from the scene.
"There were no police officials. They were just scared. Sitting inside their houses like us," said a shopkeeper in Dhulian, whose business was torched during the violence.
Banerjee reminded the public that the Waqf law in question was not brought forward by her party, the Trinamool Congress, but by the BJP-led central government.
"The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government," she said, adding that the state would take strict action against those responsible for the violence.
The chief minister also accused certain political factions of misusing religion for political gain. "Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasion," she added.
