'Do Not Incite Riots': Mamata Banerjee's 1st Reaction On Protests Against Waqf Law In Murshidabad, Says 'Won't Be Implemented In West Bengal'

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday urged people to maintain peace in the state amid ongoing protests against the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. Banerjee also said that her government would take strict action against the rioters.

"My sincere appeal to people of all religions, please remain calm, remain restrained. Do not engage in any irreligious behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious; do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming society," she said in a post on X.

The West Bengal CM also added that the law was enacted by the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)-led Centre, so the answers should be sought from the Central Government. "Remember, we did not make the law that many are agitated against. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government," she stated.

Banerjee said that the Waqf Law would not be implemented in West Bengal. "We have made our position clear on this matter - we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?" the West Bengal CM posted. She stated that some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain.

সবার কাছে আবেদন

সব ধর্মের সকল মানুষের কাছে আমার একান্ত আবেদন, আপনারা দয়া করে শান্ত থাকুন, সংযত থাকুন। ধর্মের নামে কোনো অ-ধার্মিক আচরণ করবেন না। প্রত্যেক মানুষের প্রাণই মূল্যবান, রাজনীতির স্বার্থে দাঙ্গা লাগাবেন না। দাঙ্গা যারা করছেন তারা সমাজের ক্ষতি করছেন।

মনে রাখবেন, যে…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 12, 2025

"Also, remember, we will take legal action against those who incite riots. We do not condone any violent activity. Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasion. I think religion means humanity, goodwill, civilization and harmony. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony," Banerjee added.

Over 110 people were arrested in connection with the violence that broke out in the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal during a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, said the police as reported by PTI.

Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were hurled at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence rocked Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts over the new legislation on Friday. Raids are currently underway.

"About 70 people were arrested from Suti, and 41 people from Samserganj in connection with the violence," a police officer said as reported by the news agency.

Over 110 people were arrested in connection with the violence that broke out in the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal during a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, police said on Saturday.

Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were hurled at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence rocked Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts over the new legislation on Friday.

Raids were underway in all these districts, with over 110 arrested in Murshidabad, police said.

"About 70 people were arrested from Suti, and 41 people from Samserganj in connection with the violence," a police officer said.

The situation in these violence-hit places remained tense on Saturday morning,