Calcutta HC Orders Central Forces in Murshidabad Following Deadly Waqf Protests

Quick Summary

• Violent protests erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, against the Waqf Amendment Act.
• The Calcutta high Court ordered the deployment of central forces to maintain law and order following an urgent plea by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
• Reports indicate three deaths during the protests, including claims of brutal killings of a father-son duo by protesters.
• Large-scale violence included torching vehicles,highway blockades,and disruptions to train services. More than 150 individuals have been arrested so far.
• Union Home Secretary stated that apart from local BSF personnel in Murshidabad,five additional companies have been deployed at the state’s request. Sensitive districts are being closely monitored for potential unrest.
• BJP leaders criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration for failing to prevent violence and raised concerns over law-and-order declines.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The violent surge in Murshidabad highlights growing public discord over legislative changes such as the waqf Amendment Act alongside underlying governance issues within West Bengal. The decision by the Calcutta High Court to involve central forces underscores serious lapses in maintaining law and order at a state level. while political critiques from opposition leaders frame this as symptomatic of deeper systemic disorders under CM Mamata Banerjee’s administration, neutral observers may focus on how collaboration between state and central authorities can diffuse tensions without escalation.

With fatalities reported and infrastructure disrupted-including highways and railways-the incident reflects broader complexities surrounding identity-based politics intertwined with governance challenges. Effective resolution will require openness around examination outcomes while addressing root causes behind grievances fueling unrest. Both short-term accountability measures-such as arrests-and long-term systemic efforts will be necessary to restore public trust.Read More