Violence-hit Murshidabad returns to normal amid tight security

Murshidabad (West Bengal) [India], April 22 (ANI): Daily life in Murshidabad has gradually resumed amid tight security following violent protests that erupted in various areas against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
A local, Subhash Sharma, on Tuesday, said that they want peace and harmony in the city.
"It will be better if a permanent BSF camp is put here. Schools reopened here yesterday after a gap of one week. Schools were closed due to violence in several areas. Something like this has never happened before," Sharma said.
On Monday, Odisha Police arrested six people linked to the recent violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The accused were nabbed from their hideout in Jharsuguda, an official said.
"Six persons have been arrested from their hideout in Jharsuguda. They were involved in the arson and rioting cases in Jafrabad and Betbona villages in Samserganj, Jangipur Police District in Murshidabad, and had escaped to Odisha after the incident," the official said.
Earlier, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul expressed serious concern over the violence, calling it a planned act of "ethnic cleansing" allegedly carried out with the support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and local leaders.
Paul demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident.
Following the violence, several families fled their homes. Many have migrated to the Pakur district in Jharkhand, while others are staying in relief camps set up in Malda.
Violence erupted on April 11 in Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district, during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest turned violent, resulting in two deaths, several injuries, and property damage. Thousands of people fled their homes in search of safety.
The protest later spread to other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, where incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades were reported.
President Droupadi Murmu had given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during the budget session of Parliament. The President also gave her assent to the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Parliament. (ANI)