India deploys troops after deadly protests over Muslim endowment bill

Al Jazeera - Apr 13th, 2025
Open on Al Jazeera

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for peace amid escalating protests against the federal Waqf Amendment Act, which has sparked significant unrest in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district. The protests, which have resulted in three deaths and over 150 arrests, were triggered by concerns that the bill undermines Muslim rights to manage waqf properties, valued at over $14 billion. The Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of the Border Security Force to assist local police in managing the situation, as tensions continue to rise.

The bill, passed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, is seen as discriminatory by many Muslims, who worry it could lead to the confiscation of religious properties. While the BJP argues the amendments intend to increase transparency and address corruption, critics, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, view it as a threat to India’s secular principles and a precursor to targeting other minority communities. Banerjee's assurance that the law will not apply in West Bengal aims to quell unrest, but accusations from the BJP about her government emboldening radical elements highlight the deepening religious polarisation under Prime Minister Modi's tenure.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the protests in West Bengal related to the Waqf Amendment Act. It covers multiple perspectives, including those of political leaders and community members, but could benefit from a more balanced presentation of the government's viewpoint. The reliance on a reputable source like The Times of India lends some credibility, though the article would be strengthened by additional sources and transparency in its reporting methodology. The topic's complexity and controversy are well-handled, but further background information and clarity could enhance reader understanding. Overall, the article effectively highlights a significant issue with potential implications for religious rights and governance in India, making it a valuable contribution to public discourse.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that align with known events, such as the protests in West Bengal over the Waqf Amendment Act and the deployment of troops. However, the details about the number of casualties and arrests, as well as the specific statements by political figures, require additional verification. The claim that the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of the BSF is a critical point that should be confirmed through official documentation. The story accurately describes the general context of the bill and its implications but lacks specific references to the bill's text or detailed government statements. The article's reliance on The Times of India as a source lends some credibility, but cross-referencing with other sources would enhance accuracy.

6
Balance

The article attempts to present multiple perspectives, including those of the Indian government, opposition parties, and local leaders. However, there is a noticeable emphasis on the opposition's viewpoint, describing the bill as discriminatory without equally detailed justification from the government's side. While it mentions the BJP's rationale for the bill, the article could benefit from more in-depth exploration of both sides' arguments to provide a more balanced view. The inclusion of statements from different political parties and community leaders does help mitigate bias to some extent.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a logical flow of information. It effectively outlines the main events and the reactions of various stakeholders. However, the complexity of the legal and political context could be better explained to enhance reader understanding. Some terms, such as 'waqf' and 'BSF', are used without sufficient explanation, which may confuse readers unfamiliar with the topic. Overall, the language is straightforward, but additional background information would improve clarity.

6
Source quality

The primary source cited is The Times of India, a reputable news outlet, which adds a degree of reliability to the information. However, the article would benefit from a broader range of sources, including official government statements, legal documents, or reports from international news agencies. The lack of direct quotes from key stakeholders or official press releases limits the depth of source quality. Including a variety of perspectives from independent analysts or legal experts could enhance the credibility of the report.

5
Transparency

The article provides a basic overview of the situation but lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not clearly indicate how information was gathered or verified. There is no discussion of potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting process. The article would benefit from greater transparency regarding its sources and the context behind the claims made, particularly concerning the legal aspects of the Waqf Amendment Act and the roles of different political entities.

Sources

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/protests-erupt-in-mumbai-kolkata-over-waqf-act/articleshow/120200900.cms
  2. https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/protests-waqf-amendment-bill-mumbai-kolkata-patna-lucknow-2025-04-11-985041
  3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/this-is-not-about-waqf-its-about-politics-jamiat-chief-madani-slams-new-law-owaisi-calls-protest-on-april-19/articleshow/120254217.cms
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqQ2EQ4x3d8
  5. https://www.ndtv.com/video/anti-waqf-bill-protests-across-india-925218