West Bengal will introduce a motion against the Waqf Act, says Minister

The West Bengal Government will introduce a motion against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Minister for Library and Information Services Siddiqullah Chowdhury said. File.
| Photo Credit: Sushanta Patronobish

The West Bengal Government will introduce a motion against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Minister for Library and Information Services Siddiqullah Chowdhury said on Thursday. Mr. Chowdhury, a key minority face of the Government and a prominent leader of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, called a protest today against the Act at Kolkata’s Ram Lila Maidan.

“I got a call from the Chief Minister’s office; she is satisfied with the rally. The CM said that the State Government will introduce a motion in the assembly and will not allow the Waqf law to be implemented in the State,” the Minister told the protest gathering.

Describing the gathering as a success the Minister said that if Muslims do not protest their voices will not reach the “requisite quarters.” Mr. Chowdhury, president of the State unit of Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind, also announced plans to send a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the Act. Prior to passage of the Act, several Muslim groups have organised processions in the city against the Waqf Law.

Massive protest

Thousands of Muslims hit the streets in Kolkata today, bringing traffic to a standstill. The rally by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind comes a few days after violent protests in Murshidabad’s Jangipur area. More than 20 people have been arrested for the incident in which police vehicles were set on fire.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured minorities that she would protect their interests but added that acting hastily would jeopardise her government.

“I have a message for the minorities: I know you are upset (over the Waqf Amendment Act). But have faith; divide-and-rule will not work in Bengal. Let this message go to everyone: live and let others live in peace,” Ms. Banerjee said on Wednesday. She urged people of the minority community to avoid getting “provoked” by certain elements.