The recent communal violence in the Muslim-majority district of Murshidabad, triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, has led to the displacement of hundreds of people, many of whom have sought refuge across the Bhagirathi River in the neighboring district of Malda. The protests, which began as demonstrations against the newly passed Act, quickly escalated into violent clashes, leaving at least three people dead and several others injured.
The unrest spread across key areas including Suti, Dhulian, Jangipur, and Shamsherganj, with violent mobs setting fire to homes, shops, and vehicles. As the situation worsened, the affected residents fled the violence-stricken areas, crossing the river into Malda, where local authorities and volunteers have been providing assistance.
The local administration in Malda has set up temporary shelters in schools and arranged food for the displaced families. Volunteers were deployed along the riverbank to assist those arriving by boat. As more people continued to escape, the number of displaced individuals crossed 500, with many of them being women and children.
Eyewitness Accounts of Atrocities
One of the displaced women, who had escaped from the Mandirpara area in Dhulian, shared harrowing details of the violence. “Our houses were set on fire, and women and girls were molested by a gang of outsiders and locals,” she recounted, adding that her family had been forced to flee after the men were beaten, and bombs were thrown at their home.
Another elderly woman from the same area described how they were forced to leave their homes after the attackers threatened to kill them. “We folded our hands before the marauders seeking forgiveness, even though we had done nothing wrong,” she said tearfully. “The attackers were armed, and their atrocities left us no choice but to flee with whatever we could carry.”
Growing Numbers of Displaced People
The exodus from Murshidabad to Malda is growing, with public officials reporting that the number of displaced individuals has continued to rise. Sulekha Choudhury, chief of the Deonapur-Sovapur gram panchayat, confirmed that more than 500 people had arrived by Saturday night, with many more expected in the coming days.
Trinamool Congress MLA Chandana Sarkar announced that 20 local youths had been sent to assist those arriving by boat, while volunteers and local organizations continue to help the affected families. Since Saturday, reports indicate that 40-50 boats have been bringing people from Murshidabad to safety in Malda.
The Aftermath of Protests
The unrest in Murshidabad is linked to the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, which was passed by the government earlier this month. The Act, which has been met with widespread opposition from Muslim communities, has become a flashpoint for tension in the region. The violence underscores the fragility of communal relations in parts of West Bengal and the challenges the state government faces in ensuring law and order during periods of social unrest.
As the displaced residents of Murshidabad seek refuge in Malda, their immediate needs for shelter, food, and medical assistance remain critical. The situation in the affected areas remains tense, and authorities are closely monitoring developments in the region.
Sources BY Agencies