Indian authorities have dispatched troops to West Bengal following deadly protests over a contentious new bill that critics argue undermines the rights of Muslims to manage religious endowments, or waqf, valued at over $14 billion.

The protests erupted in the Muslim-majority district of Murshidabad in eastern West Bengal, escalating on Friday and Saturday, resulting in three fatalities and the arrest of more than 150 individuals, according to The Times of India. 

On Sunday, the Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate deployment of the paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) to assist local police in quelling the unrest. 

Karni Singh, the BSF's inspector general for South Bengal, clarified that the forces were deployed to support the local police, not to take independent action.

The federal government recently passed an amendment to the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs Muslim religious properties. The amendment, which stirred heated debate in Parliament, includes provisions allowing non-Muslims to manage waqf properties—a move that has sparked concerns within the Muslim community. 

Critics argue that the change reflects discriminatory practices, especially since other religious groups continue to have control over their own faith-based institutions.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insists that the amendments are intended to improve transparency and address corruption in waqf management. 

However, Muslims fear that the changes could lead to the mismanagement, confiscation, or even demolition of waqf properties, including mosques, shrines, and vast tracts of land.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi of the Congress Party, have condemned the bill, suggesting that it targets Muslims and could set a dangerous precedent for other religious communities in India’s secular framework.

BDST: 1821 HRS, APR 19, 2025
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