'Muslims showing patience but...': Jharkhand Minister warns of 'maar kaat' if provoked

Jharkhand Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hafizul Hassan triggered a political storm on Friday with his controversial warning about possible violence during ongoing protests related to the amended Waqf Act. In a provocative statement, Hassan suggested that if Muslims were further provoked, they would take to the streets and violence would erupt.

Speaking in a public gathering, Hassan said, "Muslims are showing patience, but if disturbed, we will hit the streets and create violence—maar kaat hoga." His remarks were seen as a veiled threat amid rising tensions surrounding the Waqf-related issues in several parts of the country.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly condemned Hassan’s remarks, accusing the Hemant Soren-led government of undermining constitutional values. BJP spokespersons branded Hassan a "serial offender" and called for his immediate dismissal from the Jharkhand cabinet, stating that he consistently places religious law (Shariat) above the Indian Constitution.

This is not the first time Hafizul Hassan has been embroiled in controversy. Recently, he had publicly stated that for Muslims, the Shariat holds precedence over the Constitution. In a clip widely circulated by the Jharkhand BJP, Hassan had said, "Shariat is bigger for us. We keep the Quran in our hearts and the Constitution in our hands."

Amid these tensions, BJP leaders warned that such statements could ignite communal unrest in the already volatile regions. They stressed that ministers who prioritize religious laws over constitutional duties have no place in governance.

The situation remains sensitive, especially after violent incidents linked to anti-Waqf Act protests were reported from West Bengal. Security has been tightened in areas witnessing heightened tensions, though officials claim that law and order remain under control.