Silchar, Assam – Tensions boiled over in Silchar town, situated in Assam’s Cachar district, on Sunday, April 13th, as a demonstration opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act spiraled into violent confrontations, necessitating police action. Authorities confirmed the apprehension of seven individuals who allegedly engaged in stone-throwing directed at law enforcement officers during the unrest in the Berenga locality.
Official reports indicate that the demonstration, which had not received prior authorization, witnessed the participation of several hundred individuals who marched through the streets displaying both national and black flags. The protestors vociferously called for the annulment of the recently amended Waqf legislation. The situation deteriorated when elements within the crowd became unruly, culminating in the pelting of stones. Subsequently, police resorted to the use of batons to disperse the demonstrators and restore order in the area.
Eyewitness accounts and visual evidence from the scene documented protestors chanting slogans critical of the government, notably including “BJP Go Back.” The Bharatiya Janata Party currently holds power at both the central and state levels in Assam.
Security measures had been amplified in the lead-up to the protest following intelligence reports suggesting potential disruptions. Just a day prior to the demonstration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had issued a warning about possible unrest, citing credible intelligence indicating the likelihood of disturbances by certain segments of the minority community concerning the contentious Act.
Law enforcement agencies have commenced legal proceedings against those arrested and are maintaining a close watch on the situation to avert any further escalation of tensions.