West Bengal CM Mamata assures Muslims of protection for Waqf properties

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that her government would not allow any interference with Waqf properties or religious institutions.

The amended Waqf Act came into force on April 8 this year. Several opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, objected to the new law, certain provisions of which were stayed by the Supreme Court.

Addressing a public meeting at Barjora in Bankura district, Banerjee said, "We will not allow Waqf properties to be taken away. No one will be allowed to touch any religious place."

"As long as we are in power, we will not allow Waqf properties to be taken away. I do not play politics of religion. I will not allow temples, mosques, or churches to be demolished," she said.

The amended Waqf law had triggered unrest in several parts of the country, including Murshidabad district in West Bengal.