City police keep close vigil on Waqf Amendment Act protests

Nagpur: Following the violent protests over the Waqf Amendment Act in West Bengal, city police are keeping a close eye on related developments in Nagpur. Sources said cops are monitoring the community meetings, being held under various associations & outfits, over the contentious issue.

Two associations in particular are regularly holding meetings and debates over the Supreme Court observations on the Waqf Amendment Act, according to a source in the intelligence wing.

After the Supreme Court started hearing the matter, community leaders are debating the issue and deciding on the future course of action, sources added. The violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Act has raised security concerns in the city, compelling the intelligence agencies and police department to step up their surveillance.

With the scars of the March 17 riots that rocked Mahal and left around 40 cops injured still fresh, the city police have slipped into alert mode regarding the Waqf Amendment Act protests and related developments.

According to a senior official, the cops are gathering intelligence from the community and association members regarding their current plan of action.

"We are having dialogues with the community members. There would be no restrictions on any peaceful means of discussion and debates, but nothing detrimental to law and order in the city would be tolerated," said the senior official.

It is also learnt that several senior leaders of the community have been stressing peaceful & legal debates rather than protests on the road.