Kolkata witnessed massive processions on Thursday as Hindu groups and Muslim organisations protested on separate issues, bringing parts of the city to a standstill.
Hindu groups marched in protest against the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, expressing solidarity with the Hindu community there. Meanwhile, Muslim organisations, led by the West Bengal State Jamiat-e-Ulama, gathered in large numbers at Esplanade in the city center to protest against the Centre’s proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.
Addressing the crowd, Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of the Jamiat-e-Ulama group in Bengal and Minister of Mass Education Extension and Library Services for the state, voiced strong opposition to the bill. He accused the government of undermining constitutional rights and attempting to erode Muslim rights by targeting Waqf properties.
“The Constitution of India ensures freedom for all citizens. Any attempt to tamper with it will be met with protests,” Chowdhury declared, calling the proposed amendments a direct attack on constitutional values. The demonstrators also used the occasion to express support for a free Palestinian state, linking their demands to global and local issues of justice and equality.
The protests disrupted traffic across several areas in the city, reflecting the growing tensions over religious and constitutional matters. The city administration kept a close watch to prevent any untoward incidents.
