HUBBALLI: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s criticism of the Waqf Amendment Act, stating that it is a central law that must be implemented by all states without exception.
Speaking to media in Hubli, Joshi said, “It is a central law, and whatever has been done till now, has been done… everyone has to implement it, there is no option.”
His remarks came after Banerjee, along with other state leaders, publicly opposed the Waqf Amendment Act.
In her statement while speaking at the ‘Navkar Mahamantra Divas’ on Wednesday, CM Banerjee had appealed to the Muslim community not to be swayed by the political provocation.
“I want to tell the people from the minority community that I know that you are pained by the Waqf Amendment Act but have faith that there will be no divide and rule in Bengal. You should give the message of live and let live,” Mamata Banerjee said.
Addressing recent incidents of violence in Murshidabad, Joshi condemned the attacks and alleged targeted killings.
“Whatever law and order situation there (Murshidabad), it has to be handled properly. Day and night, they are killing people belonging to a particular religion, that is Hindu community. I strongly condemn this,” Joshi said.
He urged the West Bengal government to take immediate steps to restore order and ensure protection for all citizens.
“They should bring the situation under control, and everyone has to implement it, there is no question about it,” he added.
Meanhwile, Karnataka Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan on Sunday voiced strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act, saying that the Karnataka government has decided not to implement this law in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Khan said, “Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu CM, Kerala government and Karnataka government have made a decision regarding the Waqf Amen
The minister reaffirmed Karnataka’s stance on the matter, stating, “We will not implement (Waqf Amendment Act) in Karnataka.”
Khan expressed confidence that legal proceedings would bring a resolution to the concerns raised by the state governments and sections of the community.
Violence erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district and Jangipur during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in stone-pelting and torched police vehicles.
Three people were killed on Friday during the unrest, according to the West Bengal Police.
After the Calcutta High Court order, BSF has deployed five companies to support state police operations, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said on Saturday.
So far, the West Bengal Police have arrested 150 people in connection with the violence. (ANI)
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