Tensions reached a boiling point in Silchar on Sunday, April 13, 2025, when a large group of demonstrators, largely from the Muslim community, took to the streets to demand the repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. What began as a peaceful protest in the Berenga area soon spiraled into a violent confrontation between the protesters and Assam Police. The protest quickly gained traction as more people joined in, raising their voices against the controversial Waqf Act, which many see as an infringement on religious and personal freedoms.
The situation took a dramatic turn when clashes erupted between the protesters and law enforcement personnel. The police, who had been stationed in large numbers to control the crowd, resorted to using force to disperse the demonstrators. One of the most disturbing incidents was the sight of a differently-abled protester being dragged across the ground by police officers. The footage of the incident quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage across social media and local news platforms.
Onlookers described the scene as chaotic, with several protesters attempting to shield the elderly and those with disabilities from the police’s heavy-handed tactics. The protester, who had reportedly been part of the demonstration from the start, was seen helplessly being pulled by his arms by the officers, despite his apparent physical limitations. Many expressed disbelief at the treatment of a differently-abled individual, with several human rights activists and local leaders condemning the incident in the strongest terms.
As the protest turned violent, law enforcement began firing tear gas and wielding batons to push back the crowds. Several protesters were injured in the melee, with reports of people suffering from eye irritation due to the tear gas and others receiving minor injuries from baton charges. The scene in Berenga was described as tense and confrontational, as law enforcement struggled to maintain control while protesters pushed back against what they saw as an unjust law.
Local leaders and activists immediately took to the media, demanding accountability for the police’s actions. In particular, the treatment of the differently-abled protester has sparked a debate about the use of force during public protests, especially in situations where vulnerable individuals are involved. Critics have pointed out that the police should have exercised more restraint and consideration in handling such a sensitive situation, particularly since the protest was largely peaceful before the clashes.
Meanwhile, political figures from across the spectrum have reacted to the growing unrest. Some have expressed solidarity with the protesters, calling for the immediate repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which they claim violates the constitutional rights of Muslim communities. Others have called for a thorough investigation into the police’s actions, demanding that the officers involved in the incident be held accountable for their heavy-handed response to what was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, which seeks to amend the management and governance of Waqf properties, has been a point of contention for several months. Many Muslim community leaders argue that the Act grants undue power to the state and undermines the autonomy of Waqf boards, while others believe it could lead to greater state control over religious institutions. This, they argue, could limit the ability of religious communities to manage their own affairs independently, sparking fears of political interference.
Amid the unrest, the Assam Government has called for calm, urging both the police and protesters to avoid violence and engage in dialogue. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the issue, stating that the state government would thoroughly investigate the incident in Silchar and take appropriate action based on the findings. However, he also reaffirmed his government’s stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, maintaining that the law was necessary for better regulation of religious properties in the state.
As the situation in Silchar continues to unfold, the incident has intensified the debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Act and the treatment of protesters by law enforcement. Calls for justice for the injured protester and accountability for the police’s actions have gained momentum, with various civil society groups organizing rallies in support of the victims. Meanwhile, the protest movement shows no signs of dying down, with many vowing to continue their fight against the Waqf Act until it is repealed.
The events in Silchar have once again highlighted the fragile relationship between law enforcement and protesters in Assam, raising important questions about human rights, the use of force in public demonstrations, and the role of the state in managing religious matters. The outcome of this ongoing protest may determine the future of the Waqf Act in the state and set a precedent for how similar protests are handled in the future.
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