High Court orders central forces in Murshidabad amid WAQF Act violence

The Calcutta High Court on Saturday directed the deployment of central forces in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following violent protests linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The region, which shares a border with Bangladesh, has been witnessing unrest over the controversial legislation.

The order came in response to a petition filed by BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who flagged law and order concerns in the Muslim-majority district. Adhikari urged the court to step in as local authorities reportedly failed to contain the escalating situation.

Violence broke out during protests earlier in the week, with incidents of arson and clashes between protestors and police. Visuals from Murshidabad showed vehicles being set on fire and public property damaged. The court noted that the state had not managed to restore normalcy, which necessitated central intervention.

The court's directive is aimed at stabilizing the situation and ensuring safety for both locals and officials. Deployment of central forces is expected to begin immediately, with coordination between state police and paramilitary units. Further hearings are expected as the legal and political debate around the Waqf Act continues to grow in intensity.