Varanasi Students Demand Removal of Mosque from Uday Pratap College Campus Amid Tensions

On Friday, tensions heightened at Uday Pratap College due to a mosque on its grounds. A large student group protested, demanding the mosque's removal. Hundreds gathered at the college entrance, chanting "Jai Shri Ram" and waving saffron flags. They attempted to enter the campus but were stopped by police stationed at the gate.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Vidush Saxena confirmed that students voiced their concerns. Although the situation became tense, police managed to calm it. Some individuals identified as troublemakers will face necessary actions. The police restricted outsider entry to the campus on Thursday, allowing only students with valid IDs.

Student Demands and Actions

Student leader Vivekanand Singh stated that if the mosque's land isn't Waqf board property, it should be removed. He warned that if prayers continue there, students would recite the Hanuman Chalisa in response. This follows Tuesday's unrest when students recited the Hanuman Chalisa during prayers near the mosque.

In response to these events, students formed a student court and sent an 11-point letter to the Uttar Pradesh Waqf Board. They demanded a response within 15 days regarding the mosque's status and ownership. Seven men were briefly detained after Tuesday's incident, according to local police.

Waqf Board Clarification

The Uttar Pradesh Central Waqf Board clarified that its 2018 notice claiming the mosque as Waqf property was cancelled on January 18, 2021. Mohammad Yaseen from the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee mentioned he had written to the board on Tuesday to verify the mosque's status. Yaseen claimed there is no reason for the current controversy.

Tensions initially arose when students protested against outsiders offering prayers at the mosque. Concerns about unauthorised entry into the college campus were cited. A local official noted that college management sought verification of entrants' identities and that police have been vigilant since then to prevent further disruptions.

The situation remains delicate as both sides await responses from relevant authorities. The college administration continues to work with law enforcement to ensure peace and order on campus while addressing student concerns.