West Bengal’s Murshidabad district witnessed tensions escalate this week after protests over disputed Waqf land descended into violence, prompting hundreds of Hindu families to flee their homes due to threats, harassment and lack of police protection.
Unrest began earlier this month after notices purporting to come from Waqf board representatives asserting ownership over plots of land in several Hindu-majority localities, which some residents were taken aback by and which were supported by documents they hadn’t seen before.
Over the past days, protests erupted across various areas of Murshidabad with protestors from both communities clashing in multiple locations. Stones were thrown, shops vandalized, and roads blocked resulting in the deployment of heavy police forces to restore order and maintain safety.
“Suddenly we were told our land belonged to someone else despite our families having lived here for generations,” claimed Suresh Das, a resident of Jalangi who received threats from local groups for refusing Waqf claims. Due to these threats they felt obliged to move out and take refuge in another village nearby.
Local Hindu leaders have accused the state government of turning a blind eye to the needs of displaced families, demanding immediate intervention and legal clarity on land ownership matters.
Responding, a spokesperson from the Waqf Board stated: “All legal procedures have been observed; these lands were registered as Waqf property decades ago and we urge people not to believe any false reports.
Authorities announce a committee has been created to examine the legitimacy of land claims and to ease rising tensions, with security being increased in sensitive areas and internet services temporarily restricted in certain parts to prevent misinformation spreading further.
Opposition parties have taken advantage of an opening to criticize the ruling Trinamool Congress party, accusing it of appeasement politics and failing to protect minority Hindus in the region.
As tensions remain high between both communities, both are calling for transparency, peace, and an immediate resolution – fearing further escalation could spark widespread community unrest.