INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Murshidabad violence in April 2025 was a significant episode of communal unrest in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India,
triggered primarily by protests against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
The unrest unfolded over several days, from April 8 to April 13, and involved a range of violent activities including rioting, arson,
looting, and attacks on public and private properties.
The violence resulted in the deaths of three individuals: two Hindu men from
the same family and one Muslim minor who was reportedly shot during the clashes.
More than ten people were injured in the violence.Over
274 people were arrested in connection with the riots, and more than 60 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed.
The unrest forced over
400 people, predominantly Hindus, to flee their homes in affected areas such as Dhulian, Suti, and Shamsherganj, seeking refuge across the
Bhagirathi River in the neighboring Malda district.
Key incidents included the blocking of National Highway 12, torching of police
vehicles, vandalism of a local Member of Parliament’s office, and disruption of train services at Nimtita railway station.
Central
forces were deployed following orders from the Calcutta High Court to restore peace and order.
The immediate
cause of the violence was opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which many protesters believed threatened Muslim religious endowments and
The protests began peacefully but quickly escalated into violent confrontations
Underlying the unrest were deeper communal tensions
between Hindu and Muslim communities in the region, exacerbated by political polarization and misinformation campaigns
Social media played a role in spreading rumors and inflammatory content, which fueled fear and anger.
Murshidabad’s geographic and
demographic characteristics contributed to its vulnerability
The district shares a porous 125-kilometer border with Bangladesh and has a Muslim-majority population (about 67%)
This border proximity has historically made the area susceptible to cross-border radicalization, smuggling, and infiltration by extremist
groups, further complicating the security situation.
The West Bengal government faced criticism for its handling of the situation
The Chief Minister declared that the state would not implement the Waqf Amendment Act, while also condemning the violence and urging calm
The opposition BJP accused the ruling party of failing to maintain law and order and highlighted alleged involvement of external extremist
groups.
Security forces responded by arresting hundreds of suspects, deploying central paramilitary forces, and imposing curfews and
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Murshidabad violence reflects
the complex interplay of communal fault lines, political rivalry, and the challenges posed by border security in a sensitive region
The incident underscores how legislative changes perceived as threatening can ignite latent communal tensions, especially when amplified by
misinformation and political exploitation.
The district socio-political fabric is fragile, with
historical grievances and demographic pressures creating fertile ground for unrest
The involvement of cross-border extremist elements and the failure of timely administrative intervention highlight systemic vulnerabilities
in internal security management.
