by Ajay Kumar
Lucknow: After growing controversy, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board has withdrawn its claim on the UP College campus in Varanasi. Although no board member officially confirmed this, the college principal, Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Singh, claims this is the case. In this regard, the principal has also issued a letter. The principal stated that the Joint Secretary of the Anjuman Intizamiya Masajid Committee had clearly mentioned that the notice issued by the board on January 18, 2021, had been canceled. Therefore, the dispute no longer holds any relevance. The academic and examination activities should proceed smoothly. There will also be a ban on any sound or decorative installations or events at the shrine, whether on ordinary days or during festivals.
Meanwhile, amid the prayers and disputes at the shrine on the UP College campus, police and administration’s strictness remains in place. Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal, along with his team, visited the UP College campus and inspected each point to assess security and law and order. The Police Commissioner clearly stated that entry of outsiders into the campus would be restricted. Students, teachers, and staff will only be allowed to enter the campus after showing an ID card with a photograph. Police personnel have been deployed at both the outer and inner parts of the campus. PAC personnel have been stationed at two hostels. Police forces at Aridli Bazaar, Gilt Bazaar, and Shivpur are on high alert. The Police Commissioner said that boards had been put up to prevent the entry of outsiders. Since exams are ongoing, no disruption will be allowed.
In fact, the Waqf Board has not withdrawn its claim without reason. The principal stated that the Waqf Board does not own any property in the UP College campus. There is nothing in the land records in the name of the mosque or shrine. There had been a student movement. There will be no issues in acquiring university accreditation. Outsiders coming to offer prayers will not be allowed in the campus. Only those who have been praying here for years will be permitted. If a small number of worshippers come, students will have no objections. Peace and order should be maintained. Entry to the campus should be allowed only after checking the Aadhaar cards of the worshippers.
After the Waqf Board withdrew its claim, the faculty, current and former students, members associated with the college, and people from Kashi have been urged to consider the matter regarding the Waqf claim as now concluded. Everyone should maintain mutual brotherhood and harmony. Only academic activities should be conducted here.
