New Delhi, April 3, 2025 – The Uttar Pradesh Police have canceled all leaves for both gazetted officers and non-gazetted personnel in anticipation of potential tensions surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill, which is progressing through Parliament.
According to the Times of India, security forces, including state police and central paramilitary units, conducted flag marches across 22 districts on Wednesday. The affected areas included Meerut, Saharanpur, Kanpur, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, Agra, Sambhal, and Lucknow. This heightened security presence coincided with the discussion of the Bill in the Lok Sabha, which ultimately passed it late at night. The legislation is now set to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha today.
Key Aspects of the Waqf Amendment Bill
The proposed legislation seeks to rename the 1995 Waqf Act as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Act. While the government argues that the bill aims to enhance the administration and management of Waqf properties, critics have raised concerns over changes in the composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards. Opposition leaders have also accused the ruling BJP government of bypassing consultations and fast-tracking the bill without considering their suggestions.
Heightened Security Measures
In response to potential unrest, the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) headquarters has directed all officers and personnel on leave to return to their posts immediately. The move is seen as a precautionary measure, particularly with the ongoing Navratri celebrations and upcoming religious festivals.
Flag Marches Conducted
In Muzaffarnagar, a sensitive district with a history of communal tensions, District Magistrate Umesh Mishra and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhishek Singh led a flag march in key areas. Muzaffarnagar has remained under scrutiny since the communal riots that took place over 12 years ago, and authorities are taking extra precautions to maintain peace and order.
With the bill now heading to the Rajya Sabha, security forces remain on high alert to prevent any potential disturbances. The Uttar Pradesh administration continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that law and order are maintained across the state.