NEW DELHI: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) urged on Saturday Centre and state govts to stay alert against possible violence during nationwide protests announced by All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other Muslim bodies against Waqf Amendment Act.VHP said it was "strange" that while challenging the law in court, the organisations were simultaneously launching street agitations instead of waiting for Supreme Court's verdict.VHP president Alok Kumar cited recent incidents of violence during Milad-un-Nabi processions to caution that fresh mobilisations could "disrupt law and order, invite conflicts and promote violence." He called upon society, particularly Hindus, to remain "vigilant and prepared" in coordination with local authorities.According to Kumar, AIMPLB's four-page "road map" for the second phase of its 'Save Waqf Campaign' calls for a nationwide bandh on Oct 3, when Muslims have been asked to shut shops and offices between 8am and 2pm, barring medical establishments. The plan also includes marches towards Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, Raj Bhavans in state capitals, and mass courting of arrests. "This is being promoted as Bharat Bandh on social media," Kumar said.
VHP also appealed to SC to take cognisance of what it described as attempts to "pressure the judiciary from the streets."Kumar linked the agitation to wider unrest, suggesting protests in Ladakh could be a "rehearsal" to replicate Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh-like crises in India. However, he underscored India's "tradition of democratic tolerance" and said unlike those countries, "there is no pent-up fear in Bharat." |
