West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced financial aid of ₹10 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the Murshidabad violence linked to protests over the Waqf Amendment Act. The announcement was made during her address at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium, where she also pledged support for rebuilding damaged homes and shops.
“I will ask the Chief Secretary to submit a report on the incident. The families of those killed will receive ₹10 lakh as compensation. We do not differentiate based on religion — we respond to human suffering. Those who lost their homes will be given houses under the Banglar Bari scheme. Shop damages will also be assessed and compensated accordingly,” CM Banerjee assured.
The unrest erupted in Murshidabad on April 11 amid demonstrations against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protests turned violent, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others, alongside extensive property damage.
So far, 150 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, and West Bengal Police have deployed additional forces in areas like Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected parts of Murshidabad to restore order.
Blaming the central government for the situation, Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Centre, questioning its rush to push the Waqf Amendment. “Why such urgency on the Waqf Amendment? Did the Centre not consider the situation in Bangladesh? Bengal shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. If this leads to unrest, who is responsible? The BSF protects the borders, not us,” she said.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the Centre’s divisive politics were to blame for the communal tensions. “The BJP wants to divide Hindus and Muslims. We, on the other hand, believe in Sarva Dharma Samabhava. I follow the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. If anyone is trying to disturb peace in Bengal in response to BJP’s provocations, I urge you to remain calm,” she told the gathering.
Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress of backing the protesters and slammed TMC MP Bapi Halder for his alleged threatening remarks against those opposing the Waqf Act. The political blame game continues as Murshidabad recovers from the aftermath of the violence.
