Varanasi College Enforces Entry Restrictions Following Hanuman Chalisa and Namaz Dispute

Amid rising tensions at Uday Pratap College concerning a mosque on its grounds, police restricted campus access on Thursday. Only students with valid ID cards were allowed entry. This decision came after Tuesday's unrest when students recited Hanuman Chalisa during namaz near the mosque. Seven individuals were briefly detained following the incident, according to local authorities.

Security Measures and Student Monitoring

Student leader Vivekanand Singh mentioned that police are stationed at the college entrance, checking IDs to prevent outsiders from entering. A group of students is also monitoring the gate. He noted that no one came to offer namaz on Thursday, and additional precautions are planned for Friday's Jumma prayers.

In response to the situation, students have formed a student court and sent an 11-point letter to the Uttar Pradesh Waqf Board. They demand a response within 15 days regarding the mosque's status and ownership. Meanwhile, Mohammad Yaseen, joint secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, stated he contacted the Uttar Pradesh Central Waqf Board on Tuesday to verify the mosque's status.

Clarifications from Authorities

The Uttar Pradesh Central Waqf Board clarified that its 2018 notice declaring the mosque as Waqf property was cancelled on January 18, 2021. "There is no reason for the current controversy," Yaseen claimed. The tensions began when students protested against outsiders offering prayers at the mosque, raising concerns about unauthorised campus entry.

A local official reported that the college management had contacted the administration to verify entrants to the campus. Since then, police have been vigilant in preventing further disruptions.