Kolkata: Amidst reports of unrest in parts of the state in protest against the new Waqf Act, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed to people to exercise restraint and desist from engaging in any “irreligious” acts in the name of religion.
Without taking any names or mentioning any political party, Banerjee also cautioned not to “incite riots for political gain”.
Posting a Bengali message on her official X handle, the Chief Minister wrote, “My sincere appeal to all people of all religions is to remain calm and exercise restraint. Do not engage in any irreligious acts in the name of religion. Every human life is precious—do not incite riots for political gain. Those who are inciting unrest are only harming society.”
Banerjee also reiterated that her government would not implement the new law in the state and it did not support the legislation.
“We have made our position absolutely clear—we do not support this law, and it will not be implemented in our state. So, what is the need for violence? Also keep in mind, legal action will be taken against those instigating riots. We do not tolerate or support any form of violence,” she added.
Taking a dig at the central government and BJP in particular, the chief minister wrote,” Let us not forget that the law many are protesting was not made by us; it was enacted by the Central government. Therefore, the responsibility and answers lie with them.”
“Certain political parties are trying to exploit religion for their own political benefit. Please do not fall into their trap,” she added.
The chief minister’s appeal came four days after she addressed a gathering at the Vishwa Navkar Mahamantra Divas, organised by the Jain community in Kolkata where she acknowledged the concerns of the minority community regarding the Waqf property issue and assured them that their rights and property would be protected under her leadership.
‘I want to tell minorities – we know that you are hurt over the Waqf property matter. Please remember that when Didi is here, Didi will protect you and your property. If I resist someone from occupying my house, I cannot allow anyone else’s property to be taken away,” she had said.
The chief minister, acknowledging the longstanding presence of Muslims in the state, who make up 33 percent of the population, had said that it was her responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being, firmly rejecting any notion of exclusion.
The Bengal Chief Minister’s appeal comes in the aftermath of widespread violence that erupted during protests against the new law on Friday, leading to several vehicles —including police vans — being set ablaze, stone-pelting at security personnel, and road blockades in Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts.
According to the police, over 110 people were arrested in connection with the unrest, and raids continued across the four districts where the protests had turned violent. However, at least 10 police personnel were injured, while both road and rail traffic faced significant disruption.
Sources in the police said that security has been stepped up in Murshidabad’s Jangipur and Suti areas on Saturday following widespread violence.
Shortly before the chief minister’s message, the state’s Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, and Additional Director General (Law and Order), Jawed Shamim, also appealed to the people of the state not to pay attention to rumours.
Shamim further mentioned that rumour mills are actively operating in various places of the state and the police are identifying the people and are arresting them.
