5,000 Disrupt Services & Pelt Stones at Bengal Railway Station during Protest against Waqf Act
Tensions ran high at the Dhulianganga railway station in West Bengal as nearly 5,000 protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Waqf Act, disrupting train services and pelting stones at the station. The incident occurred on Friday, causing a significant delay in the movement of the Kamakhya-Puri Express.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters began gathering at the station after 1 pm, and soon turned violent, pelting stones at the station and damaging property. The situation led to the disruption of train services, with the signal being unable to be passed, causing further delays and inconvenience to passengers.
The Eastern Railways issued a statement confirming the incident, saying that the protesters had blocked the track, disrupting the movement of the Kamakhya-Puri Express. The statement also mentioned that the situation was brought under control by the local authorities, but not before significant damage had been caused.
The protests against the Waqf Act, also known as the West Bengal Waqf Act, 2013, have been ongoing in the state for several weeks. The act aims to regulate and manage the waqf properties in West Bengal, which are dedicated to religious and charitable purposes. However, many Muslim organizations and individuals have been opposing the act, claiming that it is an attempt to encroach upon their religious rights and freedoms.
The protests have been mostly peaceful, with protesters gathering at various locations across the state, including railway stations, to express their opposition to the act. However, the incident at the Dhulianganga railway station was the first time that the protests had turned violent, with protesters resorting to stone pelting and vandalism.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of passengers and railway staff, who were caught in the middle of the violent protests. The Eastern Railways has launched an investigation into the incident and has promised to take strict action against those responsible for the violence.
The protests against the Waqf Act are expected to continue in the coming days, with many Muslim organizations and individuals vowing to continue their fight against the act. The incident at the Dhulianganga railway station has added a new dimension to the protests, with many calling for greater police presence and measures to prevent violence during the demonstrations.
In the meantime, passengers are advised to check with the railway authorities for any updates on train services and to plan their journeys accordingly. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and order during protests and demonstrations, and the need for greater cooperation between the authorities and protesters to ensure the safety and security of all concerned.
