• Source:JND
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Waqf Amendment Bill: Security has been heightened in several parts of Uttar Pradesh as the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill was tabled in Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid fierce criticism by the opposition parties. In the wake of the security concerns, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar has cancelled the leaves of all police officers across the state and instructions have been given to exercise utmost caution to maintain law and order in all districts. Police officers, already on leave, have also been directed to join their duties with immediate effect. The DGP has directed the police officers in all sensitive districts to remain mobile in the field and conduct police patrolling in public places.

Security has been beefed up in Mathura, Agra, Muzaffarnagar and Lucknow. Apart from this, vigilance has also been increased in Muslim-dominated areas in several other districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as proposed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passage. The bill seeks to improve the administration of Waqf properties, introduce technology-driven management, address complexities and ensure transparency.

Police Force Deployed In Mathura

Authorities in Mathura have intensified vigilance, particularly in areas with mixed populations. Police patrols have been increased in Muslim-majority neighbourhoods, including Deeg Gate, Matia Gate, Bharatpur Gate, Chowk Bazaar and Daresi Road. Key officials such as CO City Bhushan Verma, Inspector Govind Nagar Kamlesh Singh, and Kotwali in-charge Dev Pal Singh Pundir are leading these patrols to ensure peace and order.

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Surveillance Increased In Lucknow

In Lucknow, police surveillance has been amplified, especially in 11 sensitive locations within the old city area. Special security arrangements have been implemented around the Vidhan Bhawan, with vehicle checkpoints established. Enhanced security measures are also in place in areas like Satkhanda, Rumi Gate, and Chowk. Forces from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have conducted route marches to demonstrate readiness and deter potential disturbances.

"Lucknow is a city where we are ready to tackle any kind of situation at any time. So, all arrangements are already in place. Police personnel are aware of the SOP, they do these things every day to ensure that the confidence of people in Police is maintained. I urge people to not have any misconception; they should understand this," DCP (Central) Lucknow Ashish Srivastava said.

Drone Surveillance In Agra

In Agra, police and PAC units have been deployed around the Jama Masjid, with barriers erected at various points to control movement. Flag marches have been conducted since morning, focusing on areas with diverse populations. Drone surveillance is being utilised to monitor gatherings and restrictions have been placed on assemblies of more than four people. Additionally, authorities are closely monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation.

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Security Beefed Up In Muzaffarnagar

Security was tightened at sensitive locations of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar as a precautionary measure, following the tabling of the Waqf Bill in Parliament, officials said. A flag march led by District Magistrate Umesh Mishra and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhishek Singh was conducted by the district administration in sensitive areas. The march covered key areas, including the Khalapar locality, they said. Drone surveillance is also being carried out to monitor the situation. Authorities said the situation in Muzaffarnagar has been peaceful so far.

Patrolling Underway In Kanpur

Security measures have also been heightened in Kanpur following the tabling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Kanpur, Dinesh Tripathi, stated, "In view of the Waqf Bill being tabled in Parliament, we have deployed police forces at the main intersections in Kanpur. We have two ACPs with us, and together we are patrolling all intersections and lanes. It is peaceful everywhere." He further assured that law enforcement authorities are in constant communication with religious leaders.

Muslim Organisations Denounce Waqf Amendment Bill:

As the BJP-led government tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, Muslim bodies denounced it and said the amended provisions in it would do more harm than good to Muslims. "The AIMPLB and other Muslim organisations have conveyed their concerns over the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), but they were not considered," Maulana Khalid Rashi Farangi Mahali, who is a senior executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said.

In Bareilly, Ittihad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza said that the Bill would not be accepted under any circumstances. "We cannot approve any such Bill, nor can we support anything that goes beyond the constitutional framework. We will oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill through democratic means," he said while talking to reporters.

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In Varanasi, lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain said the Bill has curtailed several "unchecked" powers previously held by Waqf boards, which is a “positive step”. He pointed out that certain aspects of the Bill still needed debate, though. "There is no provision to take back the property of any other religion or trust which has been declared as Waqf property. We have registered our protest against this," he said.

 

(With PTI Inputs)