SP Numal Mahatta Addresses Silchar Waqf Protest Unrest, Says Situation Under Control; FIR Filed Over Stone Pelting

Hours after clashes broke out during a massive protest rally in Silchar against the Waqf Amendment Bill, Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta addressed the media on Sunday (April 13) afternoon, confirming that the situation had been brought under control and peace restored across the town.

The protest, which began in Berenga without prior permission from the administration, violated the Model Code of Conduct currently in force for the upcoming Panchayat elections. “A protest rally was emerging from the Berenga area without any permission, during a time when the Model Code is active. When we received the information, Cachar Police immediately reached the spot. I, too, joined the force and tried to disperse the crowd,” said SP Mahatta.

He stated that a section of unruly youths attempted to incite violence during the march, which led to a mild lathi charge by police to contain the unrest. “We had to resort to minimal force to prevent escalation and maintain law and order. The situation is now under control,” he assured.

Commenting on reports of stone pelting by protesters, SP Mahatta said, “There were a few incidents where attempts were made to target police personnel. FIRs have been filed and we will take strict action against those involved. Arrests will follow.”

He also cautioned against undemocratic forms of protest, saying, “No matter the issue, if anyone takes the law into their own hands, we will be compelled to take lawful action.”

Security forces, including additional deployments of police and CRPF, have been stationed in sensitive areas across the district to prevent any further flare-ups.