On April 15, 2025, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee emphasized the right to peaceful protest but warned against violence. Her statement followed deadly protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that turned violent in Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas. Speaking in Kolkata, she appealed for calm and respect for law and religious harmony.

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• CM Mamata said protests are allowed, but law must not be taken into hands
• 3 killed, many injured in Murshidabad’s Dhulian during Waqf Act protest
• Fresh violence in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas; police vehicles torched
• Opposition Indian Secular Front involved in Bhangar clashes
• Mamata inaugurated Kalighat skywalk, made peace appeal
• Urged people to avoid provocation and maintain religious harmony
• Warned against misuse of religion for non-religious acts
• Criticized for attending events across religions, she said
• Rejected attempts to polarize by altering her surname
• Called Bengal “land of peace” and urged citizens to uphold it