SILCHAR: Silchar witnessed violent street fights when hundreds of Muslims protested on April 13 against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, which has been framed to increase the control of Waqf properties. The protest procession began on a peaceful note but escalated into anarchy when protesters fought with Assam Police, leading to chaos in the area.
The Waqf Amendment Act, which received Presidential sanction on April 5, 2025, has led to mass protest in Assam's Barak Valley, that is, in the Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi districts. Critics of the Act argued that it violates the rights of Muslims, something the government has strongly denied.
To counter the increasing scenario, Assam Police acted swiftly to restore normalcy, which was welcomed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister welcomed the precautionary measures of law enforcement officials and minority community leaders to maintain peace in the state, keeping intelligence inputs for potential unrest in mind.
On April 12, CM Sarma had said he was satisfied that Assam had not witnessed any protests, crediting the administration's efforts in avoiding mass violence. But since the April 13 uprisings, neither the police nor the government has issued any comment on the incident. The situation continues to unfold, and further updates can be anticipated as authorities continue to assess the implications of the protests.
Also Watch: