5,000 Disrupt Services & Pelt Stones at Bengal Railway Station During Protest Against Waqf Act
A tense situation unfolded at the Dhulianganga railway station in West Bengal on Friday, as nearly 5,000 people gathered to protest against the Waqf Act. The protest, which turned violent, disrupted train services and affected the movement of the Kamakhya-Puri Express. The incident highlights the growing tensions in the state over the contentious legislation.
According to eyewitnesses, the mob gathered at the station around 1 pm, and soon turned violent. The protesters began peltting stones at the railway station, causing significant damage to property and disrupting normal operations. The signal system was also affected, bringing train services to a grinding halt.
“It was chaos at the station,” said a railway guard, who was present at the scene. “Many things were destroyed, and the signal couldn’t be passed. We were unable to operate the trains due to the violence.”
The Kamakhya-Puri Express, which was supposed to depart from the station, was delayed significantly due to the disruption. The train was eventually allowed to depart, but only after a thorough examination and clearance from the authorities.
The protest was part of a larger agitation against the West Bengal Waqf Act, which has been passed by the state government. The Act aims to regulate and manage Waqf properties, which are religious endowments dedicated to the upkeep of mosques, imams, and other religious institutions. However, the opposition parties and some religious groups have been vocal in their criticism of the Act, alleging that it is an attempt to seize Waqf properties and undermine religious institutions.
The protests against the Waqf Act have been ongoing in West Bengal for several weeks, with demonstrations and rallies being held across the state. The situation has been tense, with police and security forces being deployed to maintain order.
The incident at the Dhulianganga railway station highlights the depth of feeling among the protesters, who are determined to voice their opposition to the Waqf Act. The use of violence and stone-pelting is a worrying trend, and it is essential that the authorities take steps to address the concerns of the protesters and restore peace to the region.
In a statement, the Eastern Railways said that it was taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers and railway employees. The statement also appealed to the public to maintain peace and avoid any untoward incidents.
The incident at the Dhulianganga railway station is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the Waqf Act in West Bengal. The Act has been passed, but its implementation is likely to be fraught with controversy and tension. The situation will require careful handling by the authorities, who must balance the need to implement the law with the need to maintain peace and order in the state.
As the situation in West Bengal continues to unfold, it is essential that all parties involved work towards finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis. The use of violence and stone-pelting is never acceptable, and it is crucial that the protesters and the authorities work together to find a way forward that respects the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
