Protest rallies decry Waqf Amendment Act
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 08 2025: Protest demonstrations were taken out on Tuesday in Meitei-Pangal populated areas in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts against the Waqf Amendment Act while stringent security measures are in place in Lilong under Thoubal district.

Thousands rallied against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, accusing the Centre of targeting the Muslim community and threatening their ancestral properties.

Demonstrations were held in Imphal East, Thoubal, and Bishnupur districts, where members of the Meitei Pangal community, including women and children, marched in large numbers demanding the immediate repeal of the controversial legislation.

Protest rallies decry Waqf Amendment Act

Protesters raised slogans against the BJP-led central government, claiming the amendment was an attempt to seize Waqf lands that have been owned and maintained by the community for generations.

In Bishnupur district's Kwakta, more than 5,000 people marched for nearly four kilometres in a show of defiance, with women and children participating in the march.

A protest was also held at Khomidok, Imphal East, where around 500 demonstrators formed human chain at the local bazar, warning that the law could disrupt communal harmony in the state.

The protests gained further momentum with the support of All India Tanzeem Insaaf (AITI) and All Manipur Democratic Students' Organisation (AMDSO).

AITI national secretary Md Isla-oddin called the Act a product of religion-based politics and appealed for unity beyond communal divisions to protect the country's secular ethos.

During the Kwakta march, the protesters raised slogans demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Act.

The protesters condemned the BJP-led central government, claiming that the legislation aims to seize community-owned Waqf properties passed down through generations.

Md Nasir, a protester said, "Waqf Act violates the Constitution.

It targets the minority Muslims and is a step to break the spirit of a united India.

We condemn this Act and government's ploy to usurp our ancestral properties.

Waqf belongs to the Ummah".

At Khumidok in Imphal East district, protesters, demanded immediate withdrawal of the legislation, warning that the law, if enforced, could fracture communal harmony in the region.

All India Tanzeem Insaaf (AITI) national secretary Md Islaoddin called for unity across religious lines.

"This Act is a clear example of religion-based politics.

We must rise above communal lines and safeguard the secular fabric of our country," he stated.

Meanwhile, security forces with anti-riot equipment have been deployed across the Muslim-dominated Lilong area in Thoubal district in the wake of violent protests against the Waqf Amendment Act.

Vigil has also been heightened in parts of Imphal 'East district, according to police officials.

"Security forces shall be equipped with anti-riot equipment including tear gas gun shells, canes, body protectors and helmets," an order issued by the Superintendent of Police (Thoubal) said.

The number of security personnel has also been increased at the residence of local MLA Abdul Nasir as a precautionary measure.

On Sunday night, the house of BJP Manipur Pradesh Minority Morcha president, Asker Ali, was set on fire in Lilong by a mob for allegedly supporting the Waqf Amendment Act.

Following the incident, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in the entire Lilong assembly constituency on Monday.

Asker Ali had on Saturday expressed support on social media platforms for the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.Following the incident on Sunday night, he apologised for his earlier statement and condemned the Act.

Various parts of the Imphal Valley also witnessed protests against the Act on Sunday.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament.

The Act aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

It also seeks to improve governance by enhancing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities and protecting stakeholders' rights.

President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday.

(With inputs from news agencies) .