UP: Masked men open fire on school van, no injuries reported
Amroha (UP), Oct 25: Masked men opened fire on a private school van carrying 28 children in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha on Friday, police said.
One suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the incident in which no one was reported injured, they added.
According to the police, the incident took place under the Gajraula police station area when unidentified masked individuals fired indiscriminately at the van carrying students from the S R S International School.
"It is believed that the van driver was the target. He and the schoolchildren are all safe," Circle Officer Shwetabh Bhaskar said.
An FIR has been lodged at the Gajraula police station against three suspects, one of whom has been taken into custody for questioning.
According to the police, the frightened schoolchildren shouted for help as they hid under their seats after the attackers opened indiscriminate fire.
Acting promptly, the driver managed to steer the vehicle to a safe place before informing the school management, which reported the matter to the police.
A detailed probe is underway, Bhaskar said.
Meanwhile, the state Congress shared a video of the school van on its official X handle and slammed the Yogi Adityanath government over the prevailing law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.
"Thankfully, no child was harmed by the firing but till now no answer has been received to any question related to the incident," the Congress said.
"Who were these miscreants? Why did they fire on the bus carrying children? When will they be arrested? There are hundreds of such questions but no one has the answers to them," it added.
The Congress also alleged that the criminals are slapping on the face of law and order by daring to carry out such a "Syria-like" incident in Uttar Pradesh even as the chief minister prepares to make false promises ahead of the November 13 by-elections.
"When even innocent little children are not safe in the state, what guarantee can there be for the lives and property of others," the Congress asked.
अमरोहा में एक स्कूल बस 28 बच्चों को लेकर जा रही थी। रोज की तरह बच्चे भी मस्ती में झूमते सुनहरे भविष्य का ख्वाब आंखों में पाले पढ़ने जा रहे थे। इतने में 3 नकाबपोश बदमाश आये और एक किमी तक बस का पीछा करते हुए अंधाधुंध फायरिंग करते रहे।
— UP Congress (@INCUttarPradesh) October 25, 2024
गनीमत है कि बदमाशों की फायरिंग से किसी बच्चे… pic.twitter.com/sVkg2ZpBGE
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AIMPLB warns of protests, legal battle over Waqf Amendment Bill
Bengaluru: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday addressed a press conference following the conclusion of its national convention in Bengaluru. The Board raised concerns over several pressing national and international issues, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and recent controversies surrounding places of worship in the country. The Board also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, terming it a "genocide."
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, warning the government of protests and legal challenges if the bill is passed without thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
"Waqf properties are donated specifically for the benefit of the Muslim community and for charitable purposes. These properties cannot and should not be altered or interfered with by the government," he said. Ilyas emphasized the historical and legal sanctity of Waqf properties, stating that any changes to the law without proper discussion would be unacceptable to the community.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was another critical issue discussed during the convention. Ilyas reiterated the Board's long-standing opposition to the UCC, stating that it threatens the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
"The UCC will disrupt the very fabric of this country. India thrives on its diversity, and a uniform code disregards this essential characteristic," he said. He explained that the Indian legal framework already accommodates individuals who choose not to follow their personal laws.
Ilyas also criticized the UCC implemented by the Uttarakhand government, calling it unconstitutional. "How can it be called a 'Uniform Civil Code' when it is applied only in one state?" he questioned. The AIMPLB plans to challenge the Uttarakhand UCC in the Nainital High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) soon.
The Board also addressed growing tensions surrounding places of worship, particularly the rising claims that some mosques were originally temples. Ilyas pointed out that such disputes are in violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1992, which mandates that the status of religious sites shall remain as they were in 1947.
"The Supreme Court, in its verdict on the Babri Masjid case, clearly stated that no further disputes of this nature should arise. Yet, we see new cases being brought up regularly," he said.
Citing a recent incident in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where police action against protesters left two dead, Ilyas condemned the violence. "This incident was tragic and could have been avoided. It is deeply condemnable," he added.
The AIMPLB also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Ilyas termed the situation a "genocide," pointing to the reported deaths of over 45,000 people in the last year.
"This is not a war; it is a genocide. The international community must take urgent steps to address the issue," he said. The Board called for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace and justice in the region.
The press conference was attended by several senior AIMPLB officials, including the Board’s president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani. The officials emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders and the Muslim community to address the challenges highlighted during the convention.
The AIMPLB pledged to continue its advocacy through protests, legal actions, and public engagement to safeguard the rights of the community and uphold the constitutional values of the country.
