Seven arrested in Assam's Silchar in clash with police; violent protest against Waqf law

Seven have been arrested in connection with Sunday's confrontation between police personnel and protesters at an anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act demonstration in Cachar district of Assam. Superintendent of Police Numal Mehta said that on Sunday morning, a demonstration march was organized from Berenga village to Silchar city without taking police sanction. The protesters even hurled stones at police. The police then used a mild lathi charge.

Superintendent of Police Mehta told reporters here that prohibitory orders have been imposed in the district to prevent further violence. A case has been registered at Silchar police station. On Tuesday, a search operation was carried out in Bagadhar and Kashipur areas, after which seven people were arrested. A local court had sent the arrested persons to judicial custody. Mahatta said the investigation was underway. More arrests were likely soon.

The SP said prohibitory orders would remain in force in the district to prevent any violence and anyone trying to take the law into their own hands would not be tolerated. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that no protests would be allowed in the state against the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

He suggested that agitators approach the Supreme Court for redressal of their grievances. Several organizations and people had lodged objections to the law after it came into force earlier this month. The law aims to improve the functioning of waqf properties, remove complexities, ensure transparency, and introduce technology-driven management.