No 'irreligious act in name of religion': West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Murshidabad violence
Times of India | 13 April 2025
KOLKATA: CM Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed for peace, asking people not to indulge in "irreligious behaviour in the name of religion", while insisting that the new amended waqf law would not be implemented in Bengal.
"We have clearly stated our position on this matter: we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So why the riots?" Banerjee tweeted after getting reports on the Murshidabad situation.
"My sincere appeal to all people of all religions: please remain calm, remain restrained. Every human life is precious, do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming society," she added, reminding everyone that the state had nothing to do with the new law: "We did not make the law. The law was made by Centre. Therefore, the answer should be sought from Centre."
Banerjee warned of stern action against rumour-mongering and accused some parties of trying to misuse religion for their political benefit. "We will take legal action against those who are inciting riots. We do not condone any violent activity. Some political parties are trying to misuse religion to gain political advantage. Do not fall for their provocation. I believe religion means humanity, goodwill, civilised behaviour and harmony. May everyone maintain peace and harmony," she appealed.
Banerjee, who will meet Muslim community seniors on Wednesday to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Act, has consistently voiced her opposition to the new law. A day after Centre effected the law, she had said policies that divide people would not be allowed in Bengal. She would keep advocating for unity and love till her last breath and would not allow religious division "even if she was shot", she said.
Again, at an event organised by Jain International Trade Organisation on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti, Banerjee had insisted that policies "dividing people" would not be implemented here.
Murshidabad violence
Violent protests over the Centre’s newly passed waqf law claimed three lives and left two others — including a Class VII student — injured by gunfire in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district between Friday and Saturday.
Authorities have clamped prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in the affected areas, particularly Suti and Shamsherganj, to prevent further unrest.
Taking cognisance of the situation, the Calcutta high court on Saturday ordered deployment of central forces in the violence-hit zones and directed the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to work in coordination with the state police to maintain law and order.
State government counsel Arka Nag told the court that the situation had been brought under control and that 138 people had been arrested in connection with the violence so far. West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar reached Murshidabad on Saturday evening to take stock of the situation.