The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide movement against what it describes as the 'social and political marginalisation of Muslims' and the demolition of mosques and madrasas — and the campaign will actively seek participation from Hindu citizens as well, according to Malik Motasim Khan, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. Khan made the remarks on Tuesday, 23 June, underscoring that the movement is framed around constitutional values rather than religious identity alone.

What the Campaign Aims to Achieve

Khan stated that the campaign is designed to restore public confidence in constitutional guarantees, including liberty, equality, fraternity, justice, and freedom of religion. 'The campaign is not just for Muslims; it will be run by both Muslims and non-Muslims and will be against the unconstitutional things in the country. The campaign will include those Hindu brothers who stand in favour of justice,' he said.

He added that even without the AIMPLB's formal announcement, such a campaign was necessary. 'The Muslim Personal Law Board is an important institution. Even if they had not made this announcement, this work still had to be done,' Khan said.

Key Concerns Cited by AIMPLB and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind

Khan listed several issues driving the movement, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in states such as Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Assam, with preparations reportedly underway in Madhya Pradesh. He also cited the demolition of mosques across the country and the alleged denial of bail to arrested individuals, describing an 'atmosphere of fear.'

The AIMPLB Executive Committee has constituted an Action Committee to coordinate with what it termed 'democracy-loving and peace-loving sections of society.' A statement from the Board noted concerns over the 'promotion of hatred and hostility, damage to communal harmony, and attacks on the life, property, honour and dignity of Muslims.'

AIMPLB's Stand on the Uniform Civil Code

A meeting of the Board, presided over by Board President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, resolved that the 'forced implementation of the UCC is contrary to the religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India.' The Executive Committee also expressed concern over what it called 'ongoing legislative efforts in BJP-ruled states in the name of the Uniform Civil Code.'

Broader Context

This comes amid a sustained political debate in India over the UCC, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments in multiple states moving to enact versions of the legislation. Critics, including Muslim personal law bodies and some civil society groups, argue that the UCC infringes upon minority religious rights protected under the Constitution. Proponents counter that a uniform code promotes gender equality and national integration. The AIMPLB's decision to broaden the coalition beyond Muslim communities marks a notable strategic shift, seeking to frame the movement in civic rather than communal terms.

The Action Committee is expected to begin outreach across states in the coming weeks, with dialogue sessions planned to build cross-community consensus around constitutional protections.