More than 100 people were arrested when violence broke out in eastern India over changes to legislation governing Islamic charitable endowments or Waqf, police said Saturday.
Police in the West Bengal state said 118 people were arrested on Friday in the Murshidabad district in connection with the violence and 15 police officers were injured.
Officials said prohibitory orders have been imposed and in some places internet service has also been temporarily suspended.
The police said that the situation was “under control” but warned strict action will be taken against those who resort to violence.
India’s new Waqf law, passed as the UMEED Act, introduces state control and non-Muslim representation, sparking fears of dispossession and loss of Muslim autonomy over religious endowments.
“Raids are being conducted to arrest the troublemakers,” police said in a statement on X.
Last week India’s parliament passed controversial changes to Waqf legislation.
Muslim bodies have declared a nationwide protest and legal battle to overturn the “unjust legislation”.
The controversial bill passed both houses of Parliament despite sharp resistance from opposition parties and Muslim groups.
Protests have taken place at several places against the changes, with several parties approaching the Supreme Court as well, which is likely to hear petitions challenging the act next week.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board condemned the bill as discriminatory and vowed a legal challenge.
