• Source:JND
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Waqf Amendment Bill:Thousands of members of the Muslim organisations gathered on the streets across cities, including Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, after Friday prayers to protest the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by both Houses of the Parliament in the last couple of days. Moreover, taking precautions, the police have heightened security in multiple areas in Delhi and UP, including Shaheen Bagh and Sambhal.

In Kolkata, the Muslim organisations under the banner of Joint Forum for Waqf Protection took to the streets with placards reading, " We Reject Waqf Amendment Bill" and, "Reject Waqf Bill."

During the demonstration, protestors chanted, "No matter what happens, we will reclaim our rights in any way."

Minor scuffle between police and protestors in Ahmedabad

The protests were also held in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, where the authorities heightened security ahead of the Friday prayers. The visuals from the site show police struggling to take control of the situation with mild confrontation with protesters.

Meanwhile, Police detained the chief of the state unit of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and 40 of its members.

Protests held in Chennai, Coimbatore

Similarly, in Chennai, protests were held against the Bill. The protests are expected to intensify as actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (VTK) has announced a statewide protest.

Upon the call, VTK workers held protests in major cities like Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, hurling slogans 'reject the Waqf Bill' and 'do not take away Muslims' rights.'

Security tightend in Shaheen Bagh, Sambhal

In Delhi, police ramped up security in areas like Shaheen Bagh, Okhla, and Jamia Nagar. As part of security arrangements, drones were deployed to keep an eye on suspicious activities and individuals.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravi Kumar Singh said that security was increased in Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Nagar and Okhla in view of security. Under this, the police were instructed to keep an eye on the suspects. The police monitored the crowded areas through drones. Apart from that, people were asked to maintain peace by taking out a foot march in the markets. Tight security arrangements were also made for Friday prayers.

The police force was deployed to maintain peace around the mosque. Police also took out a march in the streets due to the possibility of a protest. Senior police officers were also present during this time.

Meanwhile, students protested against the Waqf Board Amendment Bill in Jamia Millia Islamia University. However, police and paramilitary forces were deployed there since morning. Students associated with the student organization AISA (All India Students Association) protested. They protested inside the campus carrying placards that read 'We reject the Waqf Amendment Bill'. The situation remained under control due to the deployment of security forces.

In UP, police conducted flag marches in Kanpur, Sitapur, Sambhal and other districts ahead of the Friday prayers to deal with any contingency.

(With inputs from ANI)