Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and last Friday prayers of Ramzan, Meerut Police has warned the Muslims not to offer namaz on roads. The violators will face strict legal action that may lead to the cancellation of their passport and driving licences, the authority said.

Superintendent of Police (City) Ayush Vikram Singh asserted that prayers must be confined to mosques or designated Eidgahs. “No individual should perform namaz on public roads,” he said, underlining the city’s efforts to ensure public order.

Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Singh Chaudhary highlighted the legal consequences of violations. He also said that the criminal cases against the violators may find them difficult to obtain new passports without a court-issued No Objection Certificate (NOC). Confiscated documents would remain held until legal clearance is provided, he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada confirmed that meetings had been conducted at both district and police station level to ensure any obstruction during Eid prayers. “All necessary directives have been issued after consulting stakeholders,” he said.

To prevent unrest, authorities have stepped up monitoring on social media. “Strict action will be taken against anyone trying to spread rumours or incite communal tension online,” said Tada”. The sensitive areas have been identified based on previous experiences, he added.

Security measures have been put in place with the security deployment of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel at sensitive areas. Alongwith PAC and RAF deployment, the authorities will start flag marches in key areas. Drones will be used for aerial surveillance alongwith local intelligence units to track the situation.

SSP Tada also mentioned that police are working closely with community leaders and religious figures to ensure peaceful observance of the upcoming festivals. Both uniformed and plain clothes officers have been stationed at identified sensitive locations.

The police reiterated that violations of the advisory could lead to serious legal implications, including the cancellation of vital personal documents like passports and licences.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said visitors from across the globe wishing to explore India for tourism, education, healthcare, or business ventures are warmly welcomed, however, any individuals posing a threat to national security will face strict repercussions.

This statement came during a Lok Sabha discussion on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to enhance the safety and security of the country while also promoting economic growth and development in the education and healthcare sectors.

The Lok Sabha has officially passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, following a voice vote that dismissed numerous amendments proposed by opposition members. Shah reiterated the intention behind the legislation, ensuring that India will maintain comprehensive oversight of all foreigners entering the country.

“It is crucial that we are aware of who visits India, their purpose for coming, and the duration of their stay,” he noted after a three-hour debate. He assured that the bill would not only bolster security but also pave the way for India to become a leading global power by 2047.

The new legislation outlines severe penalties for those caught using forged travel documents. Offenders may face up to seven years in prison and fines reaching ₹10 lakh for entering, staying, or exiting India under false pretenses. It also mandates that accommodations, universities, and healthcare facilities report information about foreign guests, facilitating the tracking of individuals who may overstay their visas.

Under the proposed law, anyone found entering India without proper documentation could be imprisoned for up to five years or fined up to ₹5 lakh or both. Furthermore, the central government is granted authority to regulate areas frequented by foreigners, including the potential closure of establishments non-compliant with the new requirements.

This bill seeks to repeal and consolidate several outdated laws governing immigration and foreigner registration, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, the Foreigners Act of 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000. While retaining many existing provisions from these laws, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 introduces new regulations to address contemporary immigration challenges.

Overall, this comprehensive legislation aims to foster a balance between national security and the promotion of tourism and economic growth while simplifying regulatory frameworks and easing business operations in India. The government anticipates that it will effectively address issues surrounding illegal immigration and facilitate better oversight of foreigners in the country.

On Thursday, Ramji Lal Suman, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Samajwadi Party, stated that he would not apologize for his comments regarding Rana Sanga, asserting that history cannot be disputed.

In an interview with PTI, Suman revealed that his home was attacked with the intent to harm his family and that he has reported the incident to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

The Karni Sena staged a demonstration outside Suman’s residence in reaction to his remarks about the historical Rajput ruler Rana Sanga.

Following the attack, which allegedly involved members of the Karni Sena, Agra police filed an FIR against an “unknown mob” on March 27. The FIR was filed under charges of rioting, attempted murder, house trespassing, and robbery, based on a complaint by Suman’s son, Ranjeet Suman, at the Hariparwat Police Station.

Ramgopal Yadav, a leader from the Samajwadi Party who visited Suman’s home, claimed the attack was premeditated, suggesting that authorities were aware of the impending violence but failed to act beforehand.

Suman was recently recorded saying that Rana Sanga was a “traitor” for bringing Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. Notably, Rana Sanga, also known as Sangram Singh I, ruled Mewar from 1508 to 1528.

“I will not apologize in this life; I do not know about the next life,” Suman reiterated on March 27, the day after the alleged attack by Karni Sena members. He emphasized the need for acceptance of historical truths, elaborating that Babur was invited by Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi, and described the subsequent events of their conflict, insisting, “This is history, who can deny it?”

In response to Suman’s remarks, Suraj Pal Singh Amu, chief of the Karni Sena, stated that these comments disrespected a hero who fought against the Mughals and demanded apologies from both Suman and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav.

On Wednesday, a large group of Karni Sena activists vandalized Suman’s home near Hari Parvat Chauraha in Agra, damaging cars, breaking furniture, and shattering windows. Videos captured the chaotic scene as a few police officers confronted the rioting crowd, with one officer sustaining injuries in the process.

Suman expressed concerns for his family’s safety, saying, “I met with the Rajya Sabha Chairman and informed him about the threats I had received since March 22 on social media, and they came to my house with a bulldozer yesterday.”

He described the occurrence as a life-threatening attack, stating, “They broke all the glass, destroyed cars in the colony… their intention was to ruin my family.” This incident coincided with a public event in the city attended by Chief Minister Adityanath.