Indian authorities deployed federal troops on Saturday after violent protests erupted in West Bengal over a controversial bill affecting Muslim-owned land. The unrest, centered in the Murshidabad district, left three people dead—including a child—and at least 15 police officers injured, according to police sources. A total of 118 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
The protests were sparked by the recent passage of the Waqf amendment bill, which changes how properties managed by Muslim charitable trusts are governed. The ruling BJP claims the legislation increases transparency and accountability among powerful Waqf boards.
However, opposition parties argue the bill unfairly targets India’s Muslim community. Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi condemned it as part of a broader trend of marginalization, warning it sets a dangerous precedent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the bill’s passage as a “watershed moment,” reinforcing his image as a staunch proponent of Hindu nationalist policies. His administration has previously faced criticism for actions such as revoking Kashmir’s autonomy and supporting the construction of a Hindu temple on a former mosque site.