Protest rallies staged against Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 12 2025: Different organisations belonging to the Meitei Pangal community continued their protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in different parts of the state on Saturday demanding the government to withdraw the new amended act citing breach of religious freedom and violation of the Constitution.

A protest rally was organised by Anjuman-Isiah-E-Muasharah, Lilong, drawing thousands of participants chanting slogans such as "Kala Kanoon Wapas Lo, " "Protect Waqf Properties, " and "Protect Muslim Rights." The rally commenced from Lilong Dam and Lilong Turen Ahanbi Darul Uloom and culminated at Bari Jama Masjid, Lilong Bazar.

Addressing the gathering, All India Tazeem-E-Insaaf national secretary Md Islahuddin stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 passed by the NDA government would not be accepted by the people.

He urged everyone, regardless of religious belief, to unite in demanding the repeal of the Act.

He explained that Waqf is a charitable institution based on a collective contribution of properties intended for the socio-economic welfare and the preservation and propagation of the art and culture of the Muslim community, with the Waqf Board responsible for its administration.

He claimed that the newly enacted Act violates Articles 25, 26, 27, and 28 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee religious freedom, the right to manage religious affairs, the freedom to establish and maintain religious and charitable institutions, the prohibition of taxes for promoting any specific religion, and religious instruction in educational institutions.

Islahuddin alleged that the amendment is a ploy by the Modi-led government to loot Waqf properties, likening it to the disinvestment of public assets like railways and airports.

He further criticised the Act's provision to include non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, calling it highly objectionable, as no other religious bodies - be it Hindu or Christian - permit members of other religions in their governing bodies.

Describing the legislation as a "black law", he demanded its repeal to uphold peace and religious freedom and to put an end to religion-based politics.

Similarly, a protest rally was taken out by Jamiat-ul-Ulama, Keirao assembly constituency from Keirao Eitan to Kyamgei Triangular Village Ground, voicing strong opposition to the Act.

In Kakching district, another protest rally was organised at Santhel by Santhel United Development Committee (SUDC), Jamiat-Ulma Santhel and Hangul, All Santhel Women Development Association (ASWDA), Hangul United Development Committee HUDC), and various local clubs.

The rally began from Santhel Idgah and concluded at Hangul Idgah.

Meanwhile, a sit-in protest was held at Lalpani Bazar, Jiribam by the All Jiribam Muslim Welfare Society, All Jiribam Muslim Economic & Cultural Development Organisation, All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee, and Anju-man-e-Ulama-e-Jiribam.

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