After West Bengal, protests against the Waqf Amendment Act also erupted in the Silchar town of Assam on Sunday. The demonstration turned violent after a section of protesters began throwing stones at police. In response, security forces dispersed the mob and brought the situation under control.
The areas affected by the violence include Chamragudam, Berenga, and the old Lakhipur road areas in Silchar. The protest rally started this morning and was initially peaceful, according to a report by NDTV.
The violence-affected areas include Chamragudam, Berenga, and the old Lakhipur road areas in Silchar. The protest was peaceful when it started, with the protesters carrying placards and raising slogans and calling the Act "anti-Islamic" and saying that they would intensify the protest if it were not withdrawn. Later, a few rebellious individuals joined the movements and began throwing stones at cops. In response, the police used a lathi charge to disperse the agitating mobs.
Reacting to the incident, Cachar police chief Numal Mahatta stated that police used "reasonable force" to scatter the mob. "At first, the rally was peaceful, but some troublemakers entered the rally and tried to create a law and order problem. But we controlled the situation. Around 300-400 people had gathered to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. All perpetrators who tried to disturb the peace will be charged under the law," the chief said.
Protester Condemns Stone-Pelting Over Police
Meanwhile, clarifying over the incident, a protester stated that they had organised a peaceful protest and criticised the stone-pelting, which occurred during the rally. "We organised a peaceful rally against the Waqf Amendment Act at Silchar. We oppose the law because it is anti-Islamic. We condemn the stone pelting incident. We are not against the police, and those who threw stones at the police won't be spared. If the police take action against them, we will be happy," a protester said.
Commenting on the incident, a senior police officer said that several hundred people had gathered in Silchar’s Berenga area without permission to protest the recently passed law." Around 300-400 people were protesting by blocking the road. When we tried to clear the path, a few of them threw stones at us. We had to use mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd," he added, news agency PTI reported.
The situation has since been brought under control, he confirmed. Although a case has been filed in connection with the incident, no arrests or detentions have been made yet.
The demonstrators waved black flags and raised slogans against the BJP-led government, demanding that the Act be withdrawn. Later that day, amid rising tensions and the threat to public peace due to the protests against the Waqf Act, the Cachar District administration took preemptive action to prevent any potential disturbances.
"District Magistrate of Cachar has promulgated urgent prohibitory measures across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)," an official release stated.
The order bans gatherings of more than five people without prior approval and prohibits the carrying of weapons. It also places restrictions on public protests such as bandhs, rallies, dharnas, and demonstrations unless they have been officially permitted.
Additionally, the order aims to prevent traffic disruptions, specifically targeting illegal parking and road obstructions, which are common during large gatherings. The use of loudspeakers or high-volume sound equipment without proper authorisation has also been restricted to limit noise pollution and avoid public disturbance.
Labeling the situation as critical, the district authority issued the order ex-parte, underscoring the seriousness and urgency of the matter.
"The district magistrate has warned that any violation of this directive shall invite strict action under relevant legal provisions. This proactive administrative move aims to restore calm and safeguard the peace and stability of the Cachar District during this volatile period," it added.
Assam CM Claims No Disturbances In Connection With Waqf Amendment Act
Interestingly, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted yesterday that Assam had witnessed no disturbances in connection with the Waqf Amendment Act and expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for maintaining peace. During a press briefing, he highlighted that the state remained calm despite some demonstrations against the legislation and commended the Assam Police for their efforts.
"We had prior intelligence that yesterday, after Friday prayers, there could be large-scale protests related to the Waqf Act. Assam Police worked extensively over the last 5 days. We spoke to minority leaders and ensured that there was no incident of violence in Assam," he said.
Meanwhile, protests over the Waqf Amendment Act have erupted in various parts of the country. In West Bengal’s Murshidabad, three people lost their lives as demonstrations turned violent. The Calcutta High Court has since directed the deployment of central forces to maintain law and order. In Tripura, clashes between police and demonstrators left several officers injured.