In a massive show of dissent, around 70,000 people gathered in Cooch Behar on Monday under the banner of United Millat Mancha to protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, recently enacted by the central government. The public meeting, held at the Raasmela Ground, was marked by strong criticism of the Narendra Modi-led government, while simultaneously delivering a powerful message of communal unity.
The United Millat Mancha, an umbrella body representing Nasya Sheikh Unnayan Parishad, Paschimbanga Nasya Sheikh Unnayan Parishad, and the All Bengal Imam Muezzin Association, led the protest. Leaders representing the Nasya Sheikh community—also known as Rajbanshi Muslims, numbering around 50 lakh in north Bengal—voiced their concerns about the Act, warning of its divisive implications.
“We want the Centre to revoke the new Act and will democratically continue our protests until our demand is met,” said Aminal Haque, secretary of the Mancha. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining Bengal’s legacy of communal harmony. “Our country, our state, and Cooch Behar are known for peaceful coexistence. We want this amity to prevail,” he added.
Mohsin Ali, president of the Mancha, echoed similar sentiments, urging people of all communities to live peacefully. “Our protest is against the central government’s policy, not against any community. We do not want anyone to misuse this movement to create tension,” he said.
Mohammad Kamruzzaman, member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, also addressed the gathering, announcing a larger protest planned in Calcutta on April 26. “By coming up with the Waqf Amendment Act, the central government is trying to divide people. We will also organize protests in Delhi,” he declared.
The protest remained peaceful, with heavy police deployment ensuring law and order throughout the event.
This protest comes at a sensitive time, following recent communal unrest in Murshidabad, making the leaders’ calls for harmony even more significant in the current political climate.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)