Anticipating tensions over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the Uttar Pradesh Police has cancelled all leaves for both gazetted and non-gazetted officers, directing personnel to remain on duty until further notice.
The move comes as the Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha late Wednesday night, is set to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha today.
According to a report by The Times of India, police personnel, along with central paramilitary forces, conducted flag marches in at least 22 districts, including Meerut, Saharanpur, Kanpur, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, Agra, Sambhal, and Lucknow. These marches were aimed at maintaining law and order as the legislation progressed through Parliament.
The Director General of Police (DGP)’s office has issued strict instructions for all officers and staff members on leave to return to duty immediately.
A senior police official told TOI that the precautionary measures were also linked to upcoming festivals, including Navratri.
“In wake of ongoing Navratri and upcoming festivals, it becomes important for all police personnel to remain on duty,” the officer said.
Controversy Over the Waqf Amendment Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, now renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, seeks to enhance the administration and management of Waqf properties.
However, opposition leaders have criticized the changes to the composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, accusing the BJP-led Union government of pushing through the legislation without proper consultation.
In Muzaffarnagar, where communal riots occurred over 12 years ago, District Magistrate Umesh Mishra and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhishek Singh led a flag march in sensitive areas.
The state has seen repeated instances of communal unrest, with allegations that authorities have targeted Muslim communities in response to tensions.
Under Chief Minister Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed increased use of bulldozer demolitions, often carried out against the homes and properties of Muslims even before legal investigations are completed. His hardline stance and controversial speeches have made him a polarizing figure nationally.
With police forces on high alert and tight security measures in place, authorities are preparing to prevent any disturbances as the Waqf Amendment Bill moves through Parliament.
The move comes as the Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha late Wednesday night, is set to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha today.
According to a report by The Times of India, police personnel, along with central paramilitary forces, conducted flag marches in at least 22 districts, including Meerut, Saharanpur, Kanpur, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, Agra, Sambhal, and Lucknow. These marches were aimed at maintaining law and order as the legislation progressed through Parliament.
The Director General of Police (DGP)’s office has issued strict instructions for all officers and staff members on leave to return to duty immediately.
A senior police official told TOI that the precautionary measures were also linked to upcoming festivals, including Navratri.
“In wake of ongoing Navratri and upcoming festivals, it becomes important for all police personnel to remain on duty,” the officer said.
Controversy Over the Waqf Amendment Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, now renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, seeks to enhance the administration and management of Waqf properties.
However, opposition leaders have criticized the changes to the composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, accusing the BJP-led Union government of pushing through the legislation without proper consultation.
In Muzaffarnagar, where communal riots occurred over 12 years ago, District Magistrate Umesh Mishra and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhishek Singh led a flag march in sensitive areas.
The state has seen repeated instances of communal unrest, with allegations that authorities have targeted Muslim communities in response to tensions.
Under Chief Minister Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed increased use of bulldozer demolitions, often carried out against the homes and properties of Muslims even before legal investigations are completed. His hardline stance and controversial speeches have made him a polarizing figure nationally.
With police forces on high alert and tight security measures in place, authorities are preparing to prevent any disturbances as the Waqf Amendment Bill moves through Parliament.

The Crossbill News Desk
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