Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made it clear that while the Waqf law is a “reality,” any form of violence or stone-pelting in its name will not be tolerated in the state. Sarma emphasised that peaceful dissent is a right but warned that no such protests would be allowed to disrupt the peace in Assam.
"Waqf law is a reality. Anyone who wants to oppose this has the complete freedom to go to the Supreme Court. But in Assam, neither stone-pelting nor any violence will be tolerated in the name of Waqf. Those who are opposing this should remember this very well," Sarma stated.
This comes after protests against the Waqf Amendment Act were reported in several cities, including Delhi, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. In Murshidabad, West Bengal, protests turned violent, with clashes resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries. Property damage was widespread.
On April 12, CM Sarma praised the efforts of the Assam Police and community leaders from the minority groups for maintaining calm despite intelligence reports predicting potential unrest. Sarma noted that while protests had been anticipated on April 12, only minor demonstrations were observed at three locations in Assam.
The violence in Murshidabad has sparked national attention. In response, the West Bengal Police arrested 150 people in connection with the violence, and additional police forces have been deployed to Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected regions. The West Bengal Police later confirmed that the situation had normalised in the affected areas, with officers urging people not to spread rumours.
“We request everyone not to go through rumours. We opened a control room. Anyone facing any issue can contact us at any time,” stated ADG of South Bengal Police, Supratim Sarkar.
Follow us
