A CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR: Tension gripped the Silchar suburb Berenga area today as hundreds of Muslims, demanding immediate withdrawal of the new Waqf Act, brought out a protest rally which turned violent prompting police to resort to lathi charge. SP Numol Mahatta said that the mob violated the Model Code of Conduct imposed due to the ensuing Panchayat election and brought out the procession without taking prior permission from the authority. Further, the irate mob overpowered the barricade and even tried to pelt stones targeting the policemen. Tension immediately spread over Chamragudam and Old Lakhipur Road too.
The protest rally began early this morning today at Berenga. But tension started to mount up as the rally suddenly turned towards Silchar town. The protestors demanded immediate quashing of the new Waqf Act labelling it as a direct attack on the religious rights of the Muslims.
Police meanwhile placed barricades at various points to stop the rally entering into the town. But the irate protesters tried to overpower the barricades resulting in scuffles with the security force. However, police immediately deployed a commando battalion.
The second phase of tension broke out at Bhakarsha point in Lakhipur Road as the mob allegedly pelted stones at the policemen. In retaliation, police resorted to lathi charge.
The timely intervention of the police in a restrained manner brought the situation under control within a few hours. Mahatta said that they have intensified patrolling in the area and warned that those who tried to create tension would be dealt with firmly.
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