Patna, April 3 (NationPress) The Bihar Police Headquarters has issued a high alert throughout the state on Thursday due to the ongoing discussions regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament.

ADG Law and Order, Pankaj Darad, has instructed all Inspector Generals of Police (IGs), Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (DIGs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to stay alert and ensure that peace and order are upheld across the state.

He stressed that anyone attempting to disturb law and order will face prompt legal actions.

The increased alert by the police is aimed at preventing any rise in tensions and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens following the discussions in Parliament regarding the Waqf Bill.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, presented by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lower House of Parliament on Wednesday, suggests substantial modifications to the management of Muslim-endowed properties, referred to as Waqfs.

Notable provisions include the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf boards and enhanced government oversight to address alleged corruption and promote diversity.

Proponents of the Bill argue that these changes aim to enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties. Nonetheless, the Bill has faced significant opposition from various Muslim organizations and political parties.

Critics argue that the proposed amendments could jeopardize Muslim property rights and lead to the confiscation of historical mosques and other religious properties.

They perceive the Bill as discriminatory and an effort to undermine minority rights. In Bihar, members of the Muslim community have been actively protesting against the Bill, voicing their worries about its potential effects on their religious and cultural heritage.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced plans to contest the Bill in court and has called for nationwide peaceful protests if the legislation is approved. Meanwhile, political reactions in Bihar have been mixed.

RJD Spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari criticized the Bill, accusing the government of acting in a dictatorial manner and spreading hatred.

“The government has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. We opposed it, but the government had the majority. All NDA allies are no longer parties; they are merely extensions of the BJP. They can merge with the BJP anytime. There will be chaos in JD-U as the Bihar Assembly election approaches. This government will not endure forever. The government is acting dictatorially. They are just planting the seeds of hatred,” Tiwari told IANS.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is undergoing a critical test in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, following its passage through the Lok Sabha after an extensive 12-hour debate.

The Upper House experienced several rounds of verbal confrontations as the treasury and opposition benches clashed over various issues, including Leader of Opposition in the House Mallikarjun Kharge’s claims regarding Waqf landholdings and ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans raised after the Congress MP's election victory in Karnataka.

The tumult also drew interventions from Home Minister Amit Shah, who accused the opposition of disseminating misinformation regarding the Waqf Bill and refuted allegations that the BJP was attempting to polarize voters with amendments in the legislation.