Patna (Bihar) [India], April 20 (ANI): Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Sunday condemned the recent violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad following the passage of newly amended laws on the Waqf and said that those who seek to divide people will face consequences.

Speaking to the media here, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said, 'Whatever the situation, whoever tries to divide (people), it is written in the Quran that they will be punished.'

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul called the Murshidabad violence ethnic cleansing and alleged that the violence was state-sponsored terrorism under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Sunday also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for failing to maintain law and order amid unrest in Murshidabad.

Speaking to ANI, Jayanta Malla Baruah pointed out that the matter is still being heard in the Supreme Court, and its verdict on Waqf laws will be accepted, but Trinamool Congress is trying to take political advantage of the situation.

BJP leaders have criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's handling of the situation following the violence in parts of the state and accused the TMC government of negligence and inaction.

The violence began on April 11 in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest turned violent, leading to the killing of two people, injuries to several others, and property damage, forcing thousands to leave their homes for safer places.

The protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act spread across other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, and involved incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.

Following the violence, several families fled their homes. Many have migrated to the Pakur district in Jharkhand, while others are staying in relief camps set up in Malda.Meanwhile, days after the violence, Mamata Banerjee on Saturday issued a public appeal urging citizens to maintain peace and unity.

She accused the BJP and its affiliates, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of exploiting the incident to incite unrest for political gain.

In an open letter, Banerjee alleged that certain groups were 'using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident' to promote a divisive agenda. (ANI)