Title: 5,000 disrupt services & pelt stones at Bengal railway station during protest against Waqf Act
In the midst of growing unrest in West Bengal over the recent amendments to the Waqf Act, a significant number of protesters gathered at the Dhulianganga railway station on Friday, disrupting train services and pelting stones at the station. The Eastern Railways reported that nearly 5,000 people were involved in the protest, affecting the movement of the Kamakhya-Puri Express.
The protest began in the afternoon, around 1 pm, when a large mob of people gathered at the station. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with protesters shouting slogans and demanding the repeal of the Waqf Act. The situation escalated when the mob started pelting stones at the station, causing significant damage to property and disrupting the normal functioning of the railway.
According to a railway guard who was present at the scene, the protesters were relentless in their demands and continued to throw stones at the station, even after the authorities tried to intervene. “Many things were destroyed, and the signal couldn’t be passed,” the guard said, adding that the situation was extremely chaotic and difficult to control.
The disruption of train services had a significant impact on the movement of the Kamakhya-Puri Express, which was forced to stop at the station due to the protest. Passengers on board the train were left stranded, with many expressing frustration and anger at the situation.
The protest was a part of a larger movement against the Waqf Act, which has been amended recently to increase the powers of the Waqf Board in West Bengal. The amendments have been opposed by a section of the Muslim community, who claim that the changes will lead to the erosion of their rights and the takeover of Waqf properties by the state government.
The Eastern Railways has condemned the violence and vandalism that took place at the Dhulianganga railway station, stating that such actions will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely. The authorities have also promised to take measures to ensure the safety and security of railway passengers and employees.
The protest has also sparked concerns over law and order in the state, with many calling for greater efforts to be made to maintain peace and harmony. The West Bengal government has promised to take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future and to maintain the peace and tranquility of the state.
In conclusion, the protest at the Dhulianganga railway station was a significant incident that highlighted the growing tensions in West Bengal over the Waqf Act. The disruption of train services and the stone pelting at the station were unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The authorities must take all necessary steps to maintain law and order and to ensure the safety and security of railway passengers and employees.
News Source:
https://x.com/ANI/status/1910911058903990608
