- By Priyanka Koul
- Sun, 13 Apr 2025 06:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Guwahati: Tensions flared in Assam’s Silchar on Saturday during a protest against the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act. What began as a peaceful demonstration turned violent when some individuals in the crowd started throwing stones at police personnel. The incident comes amid nationwide protests, especially in states like West Bengal and Tripura.
The protest took place in areas like Chamragudam, Berenga, and Old Lakhipur Road, where around 300 to 400 people had gathered. The rally, initially calm, saw participants holding placards and raising slogans against the Act, calling it "anti-Islamic" and demanding its rollback. However, the situation escalated when a group of young protestors began pelting stones at the police, reported NDTV.
To bring the situation under control, Cachar Superintendent of Police, Numal Mahatta, said that the police had to use "reasonable force." “The rally started peacefully, but a few miscreants joined in and tried to create unrest. We acted promptly and brought things under control. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for disturbing peace,” he stated.
A protester who took part in the rally expressed regret over the violence. "We had planned a peaceful protest. We completely condemn the stone-pelting. This act was not supported by us. We welcome any legal action the police take against those who caused trouble," he said.
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Interestingly, just a day before the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had praised the state's peaceful handling of the protests, thanking the Muslim community for maintaining calm. He noted that the police had intelligence inputs about possible unrest and had proactively worked with community leaders to prevent violence.
Elsewhere in the country, the situation has been more serious. In West Bengal's Murshidabad, three people died following violent protests, prompting the Calcutta High Court to order deployment of central forces. In Tripura, several police officers were injured during similar protests.
The Waqf Amendment Act, passed in Parliament last week, has sparked widespread criticism from several Muslim organisations and opposition leaders. While the government claims the law aims to improve transparency and management of Waqf properties, critics argue that it could lead to control and seizure of minority-owned religious properties.