"I Will Request People...": Bengal CM On Waqf Law (image:facebook.com/MamataBanerjeeOfficial)
Kolkata, West Bengal: As protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act extended from Murshidabad to other areas of West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed people to maintain peace and calm. While inaugurating the Kalighat skywalk, city’s longest skywalk in South Kolkata on the Poila Boisakh eve, she has requested people not to indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion.
She said that everybody has the right to demonstrate peacefully, but none should take the law into their hands.
Also Read | West Bengal: 3 Killed In Protest Against Waqf Act In Murshidabad
“Everybody has the democratic right to stage a peaceful protest with permission. I will request people not to take the law into their own hands. To protect the law, we have custodians and do not need any demon,” Banerjee said.
Without taking name of any political organisation, Chief Minister said that some people not only vilify her because she visits programmes of various religions, but also change her surname.
“Religion means respect, humanity, peace, culture, and harmony. There is nothing bigger religion than to love human being. If you love people, you can conquer everybody,” Banerjee added.
TMC supremo further stated that the new Waqf legislation was introduced by the BJP government in the Centre, therefore, the answers should be demanded from the Central government.
Also Read | “Will Not Implement Waqf Bill In West Bengal”: Mamata Banerjee
In Murshidabad, widespread violence broke out during protests against the Waqf law on Friday. According to the police, three people have died and over 150 were arrested across multiple locations, with reports of looting, vandalism and arson emerging from different parts of the district.
The controversial Waqf Act was passed by Parliament earlier this month and received presidential assent on 5 April. Critics argue it centralises control of Waqf properties and strips state Waqf boards of autonomy, prompting protests not only in Bengal but also in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
