AIMPLB Commits to Ongoing Protests Until Waqf Act is Revoked
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Synopsis
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is determined to conduct protests across the nation until the Waqf (Amendment) Act is repealed. AIMPLB leaders emphasize the constitutional implications of the act and the need for continued demonstrations to safeguard Muslim religious identity.
Key Takeaways
- AIMPLB continues protests against the Waqf Act
- Public meetings planned across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Key leaders address issues surrounding Waqf properties
- Calls for unity among Muslims against misinformation
- Protests scheduled to include various community leaders
Hyderabad, April 20 (NationPress) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has committed to continue nationwide demonstrations until the Waqf (Amendment) Act is revoked.
AIMPLB president Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani urged the public not to be misled by false information suggesting that protests are unnecessary, as the Supreme Court has accepted the “Waqf by user” clause, indicating that only Muslims will manage Waqf properties.
He spoke at a large public gathering held on Saturday night at Darussalam, the headquarters of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
Leaders from various Muslim organizations and sects addressed the meeting, attended by thousands.
Labeling the Waqf (Amendment) Act as unconstitutional, the speakers claimed: "The Centre is devising a plan to erase the religious identity of Muslims by confiscating their mosques, graveyards, Eidgahs, dargahs, and other Waqf properties."
The Personal Law Board outlined an action plan for protests in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. They have called for a light-out protest for 10 minutes on April 30, known as the 'Batti Gul' protest, scheduled for 9 p.m.
A round-table discussion will occur in Hyderabad on May 18, inviting leaders from other communities. Similar gatherings will take place in all districts of both Telugu states.
A significant public meeting for women is scheduled on May 22 at Hockey Ground in Masab Tank, central to the city.
Human chains will be formed in various locations around Hyderabad on May 25, starting at 2 p.m. for half an hour.
The AIMPLB has also planned a 'dharna' on June 1, a two-hour protest at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park in the city center, with female participation.
Among those addressing the public meeting were AIMPLB president Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, DMK MP Pudukkottai MM Abdulla, BRS leader and former deputy chief minister Mohammed Mehmood Ali, and YSR Congress Party leader and former MLA from Andhra Pradesh Abdul Hafeez.
Stating that the problems cannot be resolved with minor amendments to the Act, the AIMPLB president emphasized that peaceful protests should persist until the Act is annulled.
"The Supreme Court has not invalidated the legislation; it has merely provided temporary relief," stated Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, who remains hopeful that the apex court will ultimately deliver justice by nullifying the Act.
He highlighted that the Act includes numerous clauses detrimental to Waqf properties, mentioning that an exemption from the Limitation Act could allow those illegally occupying Waqf properties for over 12 years to claim ownership.
The AIMPLB president pointed out that mosques and other Waqf properties recognized as heritage will not be categorized as Waqf properties under the Act.
He noted that the amended Act states that a person who has been a practicing Muslim for five years can donate their properties as Waqf.
Representing the collective voice of all Indian Muslims, he alleged that the government and its affiliates are attempting to undermine it.
He urged counteraction against misleading social media narratives regarding Waqf and emphasized the importance of unity.
"Our strength lies in our faith and unity. Should this unity falter, we will be unable to protect Sharia," he stated.
He expressed gratitude to non-Muslim MPs from opposition parties for their votes against the Bill in Parliament.
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi declared that protests would persist nationwide, akin to the farmers' protests against agricultural laws.
In strong response to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s remarks implying that the Supreme Court was inciting religious conflicts, Owaisi argued that the BJP was attempting to intimidate the judiciary.
Owaisi contended that Muslims never suggested that religious wars would erupt in response to unfavorable Supreme Court rulings, such as the Babri Masjid case, nor when those involved in the mosque’s demolition were acquitted.
He alleged that section 2 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act is designed to protect an industrialist who constructed a luxurious Rs 24 crore residence on Waqf land in Mumbai.
