Violent protests over Waqf land disputes claimed three lives in West Bengal this week, igniting public fury and prompting the Calcutta High Court to order emergency deployment of central forces throughout the state. What started as peaceful agitations against alleged corruption in Waqf property management quickly morphed into riots, engulfing areas like Bhangar and Chopra in unrest.
The protests were sparked by growing resentment over claims that Waqf lands—meant to serve as charitable and religious endowments—were being illegally sold or leased by politically connected individuals. Locals allege that community concerns have long been ignored and that regulatory bodies overseeing these lands lack transparency and accountability.
Things came to a head when a protest in Bhangar turned violent. Police attempted to disperse the crowd after demonstrators blocked roads and allegedly attacked public property. In the resulting chaos, firearms were reportedly discharged, leading to multiple injuries and three confirmed fatalities. The deceased include two male protestors and one bystander caught in the crossfire.
The unrest triggered immediate legal scrutiny. The Calcutta High Court took note of the rising tensions and the upcoming panchayat elections, issuing a directive to the State Election Commission to ensure deployment of central forces in all districts. The court emphasized that the number of personnel must exceed those used in the 2013 elections, and further instructed the SEC to maintain full transparency regarding its election preparedness.
The court was especially critical of the SEC’s delay in recognizing the scale of the threat and failing to request central assistance in a timely manner. It also demanded that a comprehensive list of sensitive polling stations be submitted, with central security posted at each. “Peace and the sanctity of elections cannot be compromised,” stated the court in its order.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while expressing condolences for the lives lost, maintained that her administration would “investigate any wrongdoing,” but also alleged that some elements were attempting to “politicize and communalize” the Waqf issue for electoral benefit.
The Centre, in coordination with the SEC, has since confirmed that central forces will be mobilized across all high-risk districts, and additional reinforcements will remain on standby. Meanwhile, political tensions remain high as opposition leaders ramp up criticism of the ruling party, accusing it of mismanaging both the Waqf administration and the law-and-order situation.
Analysts have warned that unless meaningful reforms are introduced in Waqf governance and inter-agency coordination improves, similar flashpoints could arise in the future. For now, residents in affected areas are hoping for calm and clarity, as the state prepares for a tense election season.
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