You Have Right To Protest, Not Riot: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Urges Protesters Not To Take Law In Hands

West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has emphasized the right of every caste and religion to protest amidst the anti-Waqf protests occurring across various parts of the state. She cautioned against taking the law into one's hands and highlighted the manipulation efforts by some to mislead the public, urging them to disregard such influences. "We live once and die once. So, why is there a riot? Every caste and religion has the right to protest, but do not take law into your hands. Some people are trying to mislead you, do not pay attention to them," she firmly stated.

The backdrop to Banerjee's statement is the recent outbreak of violence in South 24 Parganas, where the Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters clashed with police over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The conflict, particularly intense in the Bhangar area, led to several injuries and police vehicles being torched. These clashes occurred as the police attempted to halt the ISF supporters' march towards Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata, where an anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act rally was scheduled.

In response to the escalating violence, particularly in Murshidabad district following the passage of the Waqf Bill by Parliament, a Supreme Court plea has been filed. Advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha requested a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the outbreak in detail. The petition seeks an explanation from both the West Bengal government and the Union Home Ministry regarding the failure to maintain law and order, alongside directives for victim compensation and rehabilitation. It aims to ensure the protection of life and liberty for those affected and to prevent further violence.

The plea further underscores the significant constitutional concerns the violence raises, especially its targeted nature against the Hindu community, in light of the right to life and religious freedom. Notably, the unrest in Murshidabad over the Waqf Act amendment has resulted in at least three fatalities. In response to the chaos, central forces have been deployed in several locations as per the Calcutta High Court's directive.