Waqf Law Protest: 5 Shocking Truths Behind Murshidabad’s Violent Clashes

The Waqf law protest in Murshidabad, West Bengal, erupted into violence on April 11, 2025, leaving a trail of chaos as demonstrators torched vehicles, blocked highways, and ransacked the office of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Khalilur Rehman in Jangipur. This second wave of unrest, following earlier clashes on April 8, prompted the deployment of the Border Security Force (BSF) and internet suspensions to curb escalating tensions. With 100 arrests and 10 injured policemen, the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 expose deep divisions over the new law. This blog uncovers five critical truths about the violence, its causes, and what it means for the region.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to the Waqf Law Protest
• What Sparked the April 11 Violence?
• The Waqf (Amendment) Act Explained
• Impact on Murshidabad’s Communities
• Political Reactions and Accusations
• Can Peace Be Restored in Jangipur?
• Conclusion: A Call for Calm

Introduction to the Waqf Law Protest

The Waqf law protest in Murshidabad has plunged the district into turmoil, with Friday’s demonstrations turning violent and shaking the town of Jangipur. Protesters, rallying against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, clashed with police, set a police jeep ablaze, and vandalized TMC MP Khalilur Rehman’s office. The unrest, which also disrupted train services as crowds squatted on railway tracks, marks the second outbreak of violence in a week. As reported by The Indian Express, the BSF was mobilized to restore order, but the incident raises urgent questions about the law’s impact and the region’s stability.

What Sparked the April 11 Violence?

On April 11, thousands gathered in Jangipur after Friday prayers to protest the Waqf law, which many view as undermining Muslim community rights. The rally, initially peaceful, spiraled when protesters blocked National Highway 12 and pelted stones at police attempting to clear the road. A police van was torched, and several vehicles, including those stranded on the highway, were damaged. The office of TMC MP Khalilur Rehman was ransacked, with furniture and documents destroyed. Tensions were already high from April 8, when similar protests at Umarpur saw vehicles burned and nine injured. A rumor that a protester was harmed fueled Friday’s chaos, though police denied such claims. By evening, 100 people were arrested, and the BSF patrolled sensitive areas.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act Explained

At the heart of the Waqf law protest is the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, passed by Parliament on April 5 and effective from April 8. The law aims to streamline Waqf property management, introducing digital records, non-Muslim board members, and stricter oversight to curb mismanagement. Supporters, including the BJP-led government, argue it enhances transparency for India’s 9.4 lakh acres of Waqf land. Critics, including TMC, Congress, and Muslim groups, call it a “violation of rights,” claiming it limits Waqf boards’ autonomy and risks property disputes. Petitions challenging the Act are set for Supreme Court review on April 15, amplifying the stakes. In Murshidabad, with a 66% Muslim population, these changes sparked fears of marginalization, driving protests.

Impact on Murshidabad’s Communities

The Waqf law protest has left Murshidabad’s residents reeling. Jangipur, a Muslim-majority area, saw businesses shutter and daily life disrupted as prohibitory orders banned gatherings. Internet suspensions, extended until April 14, hampered communication, affecting students and workers. Rail services faltered, with two trains canceled and five diverted, stranding passengers. The violence injured 10 policemen, some seeking shelter in a mosque amid bomb-like objects thrown by protesters, per PTI reports. Hindu residents reported vandalism fears, while Muslim leaders like Khalilur Rehman urged calm, worried about communal rifts. The unrest threatens Murshidabad’s fragile social fabric, with memories of past harmony during Ram Navami now at risk.

Political Reactions and Accusations

The Waqf law protest ignited a firestorm of political blame. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, also the home minister, faced criticism from BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, who accused her of enabling “hooligans” for votes. BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar called her “India’s most failed CM,” alleging police inaction. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury blamed police “highhandedness” for escalating tensions, urging restraint in a district where Muslims form 70% of the population. TMC’s Zakir Hussain insisted the party opposes the Act, citing Mamata’s April 4 peace rally. Governor CV Ananda Bose demanded “bold action” against troublemakers, warning against lawlessness. These exchanges highlight how the protests are fueling a broader political battle ahead of 2026 elections.

Can Peace Be Restored in Jangipur?

Restoring calm in Jangipur hinges on addressing grievances and preventing further clashes. The BSF’s presence and heavy police patrolling have stabilized the area, but internet bans and Section 163 prohibitory orders signal ongoing caution. Community leaders must counter rumors, like those sparking Friday’s violence, through dialogue. Khalilur Rehman’s appeal for peace from Delhi, paired with TMC’s parliamentary stance against the Act, could ease tensions if matched by local engagement. The Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing may clarify the law’s fate, potentially defusing protests. For now, authorities must balance security with freedom of expression to avoid alienating residents, ensuring Murshidabad’s diversity doesn’t fracture.

Conclusion: A Call for Calm

The Waqf law protest in Murshidabad reveals the raw emotions tied to identity, rights, and governance. The violence—torched vehicles, a ransacked MP’s office, and injured officers—reflects frustration but risks deeper division. With the BSF deployed and arrests mounting, the path forward demands dialogue, not destruction. Leaders across parties must prioritize peace, addressing legitimate concerns about the Waqf Act without inflaming tensions. Murshidabad’s people deserve stability, not strife. Let’s support calls for calm, urge accountability, and hope for a resolution that unites rather than divides. The stakes are high—peace must prevail.