12 Behrampore: People protesting against the waqf bill threw stones at cops and burnt two police vehicles at Omarpur, under Raghunathganj Police Station, on Tuesday when the latter urged the protesters not to block the National Highway 12. Nine people, including four policemen, were injured in the incident.
Protesters initially assembled near the PWD office and soon blocked the NH. When police tried to lift the blockade, stones and bricks were thrown at them. Windows of some cars were shattered. Two police vehicles were also set on fire. A huge police force led by the additional SP and SDPO Jangipur rushed to the spot and, using tear gas shells, dispersed the mob.
In a statement, the West Bengal Police said, "The situation in Jangipur is completely under control. The unruly mob has been dispersed. Traffic has returned to normalcy on the NH. Strict action will be taken against those who resorted to violence. Legal action will also be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation."
A senior police officer said, "There was no permission from the police for such agitation or road blockade programme. Some people under the newly-established ‘Nagarik Manch' started the blockade on NH and created chaos. Eighteen people have been detained."
On Monday evening, the waqf protesters had stopped the Azimganj-Malda passenger train at Nimtita Station. Railway Malda Division issued a press release saying protestors obstructed trains at Sujnipara and Nimtita. GRP and RPF tackled the situation.
Maulana Abdur Rezzak, general secretary of the Bengal Imam Organisation, rushed to Raghunathganj and said, "Everyone has the right to protest, but that must be in a democratic way. It needs permission from the police administration. Nobody should destroy govt assets or take the law into their own hands."