The ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 in Murshidabad, West Bengal, turned violent on Friday, escalating tensions in the region. The Waqf Amendment Act, which was passed by Parliament last week and cleared by President Murmu, came into effect on Tuesday, but it has sparked widespread protests, particularly among members of the Muslim community. They are protesting the amendment, arguing that it curtails their personal rights and undermines their autonomy in managing religious properties.

Protests Intensify in Murshidabad

The protests gained momentum after Friday prayers, when a large group of agitators gathered in Murshidabad, voicing their opposition to the Waqf Act. Initially peaceful, the protests soon turned violent when the crowd began throwing stones at a passing police van that was transporting prisoners. The situation further escalated as the protesters blocked National Highway 12, damaged police vehicles, and set several vehicles on fire.

In an act of defiance, the agitators also turned their attention to a train stationed at Nimtita station. They pelted stones at the train and vandalized station property, further disrupting the region’s transportation system. The violent actions prompted a significant disruption in train services, with at least two trains cancelled and another five diverted due to the disturbances.

Impact on Transportation and Public Life

Several express trains were affected by the protests, including:

• Kamakhya–Puri Express (15644) at Dhulianganga

• Barharwa–Azimganj Passenger (53434) at Ballalpur

• Sahibganj–Azimganj Passenger (53022) at Barharwa

• Nabadwip Dham Express (13432) at Malda Town

• Azimganj–Malda Town Passenger (53027) at Jangipur Road

This disruption in rail services caused a massive inconvenience to travelers and led to significant delays across the Murshidabad region. Train cancellations and diversions further fueled local frustrations and contributed to the tension in the area.

Prohibitory Orders and BSF Deployment

In response to the escalating violence, local authorities imposed prohibitory orders in and around the Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas. These measures were taken to prevent further violence and ensure public safety. To reinforce law and order in the troubled regions, the Border Security Force (BSF) has been deployed to assist the West Bengal Police in maintaining control over the situation.

Protests in Other Areas

The Murshidabad protests are not the only ones; students from Kolkata’s Aliah University also staged their own marches against the Waqf Amendment Act. This statewide unrest has drawn attention from national political parties and has even made its way to the Supreme Court, where the Waqf Act is being challenged.

Opposition parties argue that the Waqf Act violates personal freedoms and could adversely affect the rights of the Muslim community over properties. This growing public outcry against the Act is expected to intensify as the government proceeds with its implementation.

Final Thoughts

The violent protests in Murshidabad highlight the deep dissatisfaction felt by many within the Muslim community in West Bengal and across India regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act. While the act aims to regulate the management of Waqf properties, its implementation has been met with strong opposition and public unrest. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the ongoing protests and whether any changes will be made to the controversial legislation.

The deployment of BSF forces and the imposition of prohibitory orders are efforts to calm the situation, but with protests continuing in various forms, the issue is far from resolved.

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