'We're facing losses': Fish traders hit hard by Murshidabad violence
Times of India | 17 April 2025
NEW DELHI: Central forces have been deployed in West Bengal's Murshidabad following violent protests against the Waqf Amendment Act on April 11 that resulted in three deaths, multiple injuries, and widespread property damage, leading to the arrest of 273 accused individuals while local businesses struggle to resume operations.
The local fish sellers have expressed concerns about their livelihoods due to the five-day business closure caused by the unrest.
"Our business has been closed for the past five days because of the violence. We're facing losses. Today, we came back to work. We heard about the violence, but we want peace. If we don't work, we can't earn money," said Nephaur Rahman, a fish seller.
Another fish seller, Motibur Sheikh, shared similar concerns: "We have come here today after violence. We heard about this incident last Friday and that's why we didn't come earlier. We have faced loss in the last few days. We want peace."
Jangipur SP Ananda Roy confirmed that the situation is now under control and improving steadily.
"A total of 273 accused have been arrested. The situation here is under control; it is improving every minute. The shops are open, and the public is roaming freely. It is almost normal. The day before yesterday. Around 20 people returned here from the Malda shelter home. Today, around six families have returned, and the remaining will be returning very soon. Some people have been detained in the father-son murder case," said Roy.
The West Bengal Police reported that 150 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, with adequate police forces deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas of Murshidabad.
Approximately 20 people have returned from the Malda shelter home, with six families recently returning to the area.
The Waqf Amendment Act has been a contentious issue in the region, leading to protests that turned violent on April 11.
The local shops have reopened, and public movement has resumed in the area as the situation continues to normalize.