KOLKATA: The Waqf Amendment Act has come into effect across the country from Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on 2 April and in the Rajya Sabha on 3 April. Following presidential assent on 5 April, it has now become law.
Meanwhile, violent protests erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, on Tuesday evening during demonstrations against the Waqf law. Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire by protestors. Multiple police personnel sustained injuries during clashes with the crowd.
The protest was organised by Muslim organisations in Murshidabad in opposition to the Waqf law. When police attempted to stop the demonstrators, they were met with stone pelting. In response, the police fired tear gas shells and carried out baton charges to disperse the crowd.
The situation escalated as the mob turned violent, torching police vehicles and other property. A heavy police deployment has since been made to bring the situation under control.
So far, twelve petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act have been filed in the Supreme Court. Additionally, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has announced a nationwide protest campaign beginning April 11.
