In a tense turn of events in Silchar, Assam, seven individuals have been arrested for allegedly pelting stones at police personnel during an anti-Waqf Amendment Act protest in the Berenga area. The incident, which took place on April 15, 2025, marked another chapter in the ongoing unrest surrounding the controversial legislation.
The protest was part of a larger series of demonstrations organized by groups opposed to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. These groups argue that the legislation undermines the autonomy of religious organizations and grants excessive control to the government over Waqf properties, including land, which they claim will adversely affect their religious rights. The protestors took to the streets of Silchar in large numbers, voicing their anger over the Act and its potential implications.
Tensions escalated as protestors began to clash with law enforcement officials stationed in the area. The situation became particularly heated when a group of demonstrators allegedly threw stones at the police, leading to an immediate response from security forces. The police, acting swiftly to prevent the situation from worsening, managed to arrest seven individuals involved in the stone-pelting incident. The arrested individuals have been charged with obstructing law enforcement, causing public disturbances, and endangering the safety of police officers.
Local authorities are still investigating the identities of the arrested individuals and whether they are part of any organized groups behind the protests. The police have also started gathering footage from surveillance cameras in the area to identify more individuals who may have been involved in the violent acts. The arrests come as part of a broader effort to control the protests and prevent any further escalation of violence.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been vocal about the importance of maintaining law and order in Assam, has urged protestors to seek legal avenues to express their discontent rather than resorting to violent means. Sarma has also emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that the rule of law prevails, especially in sensitive situations like this one.
The Waqf Amendment Act, passed earlier this year, has become a point of contention for many religious groups, particularly Muslim organizations in Assam, who fear that the changes may infringe upon their rights to manage their religious properties. In response to the protests, CM Sarma urged demonstrators to express their concerns peacefully through legal channels, including approaching the courts for redressal, rather than taking to the streets.
Despite the arrests, the protests in Silchar are expected to continue as both sides of the debate remain firm in their positions. Supporters of the Waqf Amendment Act argue that it is necessary to prevent the misuse of Waqf properties and ensure transparency in their management. However, opponents view the Act as an infringement on religious autonomy and warn that it could lead to greater government interference in religious affairs.
The clash in Silchar has drawn attention to the ongoing unrest across the state. Police and security forces have been placed on high alert in other parts of Assam, where similar protests have been taking place. In particular, districts with large Muslim populations are expected to see continued demonstrations, as various community groups demand the repeal of the Waqf Amendment Act.
In light of the recent developments, authorities are calling for calm and urging all parties involved to refrain from engaging in violent acts. As the investigation into the stone-pelting incident continues, the government has vowed to take strong action against anyone found guilty of inciting violence or disrupting public order.
The arrest of seven individuals in Silchar highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with large-scale protests and unrest. While the government emphasizes the importance of peaceful demonstrations, it is clear that the path to resolving the issues surrounding the Waqf Amendment Act will require careful legal and political negotiations.
The coming days will likely see more discussions, protests, and potential confrontations between protestors and law enforcement. However, with the state government taking a firm stance on maintaining law and order, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the weeks ahead. The arrests in Silchar serve as a reminder that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, violence and disruption of public order will not be tolerated.
The stone-pelting incident has sparked sharp reactions from community leaders and civil society organizations in Silchar. Many local leaders have condemned the violence but have simultaneously questioned the police response, claiming that the force used to disperse the protestors was excessive. They have called for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode, seeking to ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongfully implicated in the case.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates in the region have raised concerns about potential misuse of police power in handling dissent. They have urged the Assam government to strike a balance between law enforcement and the protection of democratic rights. They argue that while violent protest is unacceptable, authorities must also ensure that peaceful voices are not silenced or intimidated under the guise of maintaining order.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions, several local organizations have stepped forward to mediate between protestors and officials. Religious scholars and legal experts from the Muslim community have begun planning community discussions aimed at spreading awareness about the legal aspects of the Waqf Amendment Act. Their goal is to help people understand the legislative changes and the constitutional options available to challenge it, such as filing a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court.
Despite these efforts, fear and uncertainty still linger in the Berenga area, especially among residents who witnessed the clashes firsthand. Some have expressed concerns about the increased police presence and the potential for further unrest. Shopkeepers in the vicinity have reported a decline in business since the protests began, while parents are hesitant to send their children to school amid safety concerns.
The Assam Police have continued to monitor the situation closely, deploying additional personnel to sensitive zones and coordinating with intelligence units to preempt any future disruptions. Authorities have also appealed to social media users to avoid spreading misinformation that could incite further violence. Senior police officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring safety while respecting the public’s right to lawful assembly.
As the political temperature remains high, all eyes are on how both the state government and protest leaders will navigate the coming days. The outcome could set a precedent for how Assam handles dissent and religious sensitivities in the context of central legislation. While the arrests in Silchar underscore the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to violence, they also bring into sharp focus the need for dialogue and democratic resolution in a deeply diverse and sensitive social landscape.