Tensions Erupt in Murshidabad: Waqf Act Amendments Trigger Unrest and Political Uproar

Murshidabad, West Bengal — June 3, 2025 — The normally peaceful town of Murshidabad has been gripped by escalating violence and civil unrest following the Central Government’s recent amendments to the Waqf Act, a piece of legislation that governs religious endowments, particularly those related to Islamic charitable trusts in India.

The amendments—passed by the Parliament last week—aim to restructure the management and registration of Waqf properties, a move that has been sharply criticized by community leaders and civil rights groups. In Murshidabad, a region with a significant Muslim population and large volumes of Waqf land, tensions spilled into the streets with protests turning violent, resulting in the injury of over 50 people and multiple detentions.

What Do the Waqf Act Amendments Entail?

The revised Waqf Act introduces several sweeping changes, including:

• Mandatory central auditing of all Waqf Boards

• Streamlined registration of Waqf properties under digital governance

• Expanded authority to State and Central Waqf Councils

• Provision for reclaiming allegedly encroached Waqf lands for public infrastructure

The government argues that the changes are intended to improve transparency and prevent mismanagement, citing irregularities documented in reports such as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s Waqf audit findings.

However, critics warn that the centralization of control could lead to undue state interference in religious matters, violating the principle of community autonomy.

Murshidabad Erupts: Ground Reality of the Violence

In Murshidabad’s Domkal and Raghunathganj regions, thousands took to the streets under the banners of local organizations and clerical bodies. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly spiraled into clashes with the police, as authorities attempted to block unlicensed rallies.

Stones were hurled, vehicles torched, and a police outpost was partially damaged. At least six police officers sustained injuries, and over 30 protesters were arrested, as confirmed by Murshidabad SP Akash Saxena in a briefing published by The Telegraph India.

Eyewitnesses described a “chaotic” scene, with tear gas shells deployed and internet services suspended across sensitive districts. Schools and markets in the affected zones have been closed indefinitely.

Political Reactions: Accusations Fly Across the Aisle

The violence has triggered a political firestorm, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of mishandling minority affairs and pushing legislation without adequate consultation.

TMC’s Mamata Banerjee, in a strongly worded press release, called the amendments “an assault on the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.” She also condemned the police crackdown in Murshidabad as “excessive and politically motivated.”

On the other hand, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, defending the move in an interview with News18, said:

“The new law is designed to safeguard Waqf properties from corruption and misuse. Those spreading misinformation are inciting fear for political mileage.”

Legal and Civil Society Responses

Legal experts have raised concerns over the implications of the amended law on property rights and federalism. Prominent constitutional lawyer Indira Jaising, speaking with The Wire, noted:

“The legislation overrides several state-level Waqf regulations, disrupting the balance between state and central jurisdiction. The provision allowing for land reclamation could potentially violate the rights of lawful tenants.”

Civil society organizations like the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind have called for an immediate judicial review and a nationwide consultation before the law is implemented.

The Broader Implications: A Pattern or an Exception?

This incident is not isolated. Similar tensions were observed in Bihar’s Kishanganj and Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur, where the new regulations are being viewed with suspicion. Analysts worry this could fuel religious polarization, particularly ahead of upcoming state elections in Bengal and Bihar.

As Scroll.in recently reported, this controversy aligns with a broader trend of legislative overhauls targeting minority institutions under the guise of transparency, stirring fears of political marginalization.

Human Impact: Displacement and Distrust

For many residents of Murshidabad, the impact is deeply personal. Local shopkeeper Mohammad Zubair, whose family has leased a Waqf property for generations, told NDTV:

“We fear our homes and businesses may be declared illegal overnight. No one explained what these changes mean for us.”

Waqf lands in India cover over 6 lakh acres, according to data from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, and serve crucial roles in education, welfare, and housing for disadvantaged communities.

Conclusion: A Volatile Mix of Law and Sentiment

The amendments to the Waqf Act, though pitched as reformative, have clearly touched a nerve in many parts of the country, particularly in districts like Murshidabad where religious endowments are deeply woven into the social fabric. As investigations into the violence continue, calls for legal intervention, public dialogue, and political restraint grow louder.

What remains to be seen is whether the government will open up avenues for consultation or press ahead with its current plan—potentially risking more unrest.