Fresh protests over Waqf Act in Bengal, 11 policepersons hurt

Fresh violence broke out against the waqf Actat Jangipur in Bengal’s Murshidabad district Friday with police raining batons and bursting teargas shells to stop protestors from blocking NH-12 and railway tracks. As many as 11 policepersons were injured when then tried to lift the blockade.

While BSF has been kept on alert, the state govt has despatched senior IGP-rank officers and three battalions to the affected area, sources said. Police reached out to community elders and made public announcements to bring the situation under control.

CM Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to meet religious figures from the Muslim community on April 16 to address the waqf issue, said mayor and minister Firhad Hakim.

Jangipur has witnessed protests since April 8, forcing administration to impose prohibitory orders and temporarily suspend Internet.

Another group of protesters blocked Dhuliandanga and Nimtita railway stations. “Train services were disrupted in New Farakka-Azimganj section of Eastern Railway Friday owing to obstruction and vandalism by a group of people between Dhuliandanga and Nimtita stations... Four express trains were diverted, and two passenger trains cancelled... About 5,000 people sat on the tracks at a level crossing gate, while another gate was damaged by the agitators,” Railway said.