Security has been tightened across Uttar Pradesh as the Waqf Amendment Bill sparks intense debate in the Lok Sabha. Police have launched flag marches in more than 50 cities, while authorities in Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Sambhal remain on high alert. Sensitive areas are under constant drone surveillance as the administration braces for potential unrest.
In a proactive move, the Uttar Pradesh government has revoked all police leaves, directing even those who had departed for home to return to duty immediately. Law enforcement agencies are taking no chances, given the Bill’s controversial nature and the mixed reactions it has sparked across the state.
Meerut has been placed on high alert, with local police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel patrolling vulnerable zones. Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments, and social media platforms are being scrutinised to curb misinformation and prevent disturbances.
Lucknow, particularly its old city areas, has seen a surge in police deployment. In Prayagraj, a large flag march led by DCP City Abhishek Bharti covered key
intersections, including Atala, Kareli, Nurullah Road, Roshanbagh, Mansoor Ali Park, Rasulpur, and Chakia, underscoring the administration’s commitment to maintaining order.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the Bill, dismissing the protests as misguided. “Every good reform faces resistance. I ask those opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill-has the Waqf Board truly served the welfare of Muslims?” he questioned.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the Bill seeks to empower marginalised Muslims. “This legislation aims to liberate the Waqf Board from the clutches of a select few. Congress, SP, and TMC are uneasy because their control over Waqf properties is being dismantled,” he asserted. However, opposition leaders have strongly criticised the bill. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of systematically selling off national assets. “First, they sold the railways, then defense land, and now, they are eyeing Waqf properties. What could be more unjust than ignoring the voices of those directly impacted by this Bill?” he remarked.
UP Minister Anil Rajbhar defended the move, calling it a necessary step. “Only the Modi government had the resolve to take this decision at the right time. This Bill will prevent illegal encroachments and ensure transparency in Waqf affairs,” he said.
Dissenting voices have emerged, particularly from Islamic organisations. Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani condemned the bill, calling it unconstitutional. “This is a blatant violation of fundamental rights. The government is exploiting its numerical strength to push through an undemocratic measure designed to strip minorities of their rights. We cannot accept this under any circumstances,” he said in Saharanpur.
Despite the uproar, there was celebration in Aligarh as the Bill was tabled in Parliament. At Tasveer Mahal, Dara Shikoh Foundation President Mohammad Aamir Rashid led a group of supporters in distributing sweets and playing drums, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Meanwhile, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, sought to reassure the community, urging calm. “There is no reason for Muslims to fear this Bill. On the contrary, it will benefit them. Opposition parties will protest because they have always treated Muslims as a vote bank. We hope, Insha Allah, that the bill will pass smoothly in Parliament,” he stated.
