Violent clashes broke out in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, on Monday after Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters clashed with police during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This incident came shortly after similar unrest in Murshidabad.

ISF Supporters Clash with Police on Basanti Highway

The violence began when police blocked ISF workers from proceeding to Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata, where a protest rally led by ISF leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddique was scheduled. According to police sources, the blockade was set up at Bhojerhat on Basanti Highway to stop protestors coming from areas like Bhangar, Minakhan, and Sandeshkhali.

As tensions rose, the protestors tried to break through the police barricades. This triggered violent clashes. A senior police officer confirmed, “Some police vehicles were set on fire by the protesters, and a few police personnel were injured when the agitators attacked the law enforcers.”

Traffic Disrupted and Police Vehicles Torched

The highway came to a complete halt as ISF supporters sat on the road in protest, blocking traffic. Authorities quickly deployed a large police force, including senior officers, to manage the situation. A high alert was issued in the surrounding areas. Eventually, the protestors were dispersed.

Police Say Rally Lacked Permission

Police reportedly used lathi-charge tactics to break up the gathering. Eyewitnesses said the protest at Ramlila Maidan lacked proper police permission. Despite the disruptions, Naushad Siddique addressed the rally. He criticized the law, saying, “This law is not just an attack on Muslims, it is an assault on the Constitution. We won't accept this Act. The government that supports such laws must go.”

ISF Questions Police Action

The ISF accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of suppressing opposition voices and blamed the BJP for trying to provoke communal unrest. Siddique questioned, “The chief minister has said the new Waqf law will not be implemented in West Bengal. We welcome that. But then why are police stopping our workers from attending a peaceful rally? Does the right to protest belong only to the Trinamool Congress?”

Communal Tensions in Murshidabad

Similar unrest unfolded earlier in Murshidabad during protests over the same law. Clashes broke out in Suti, Dhulian, and Jangipur on Friday and Saturday, leaving three people dead. Visuals from the region showed burnt remains of shops, homes, and hotels. Additionally, over 400 Hindus reportedly fled from violence-hit areas of Samserganj and crossed the Bhagirathi River to take shelter in Malda.