Karnataka: Huge Demonstration in Mangaluru Against Waqf Act; 2,000 Police Officers Deployed
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Synopsis
A massive protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act took place in Mangaluru, Karnataka, drawing thousands. The Karnataka Police ensured tight security with over 2,000 officers deployed to maintain order amid the large crowd that gathered at Shah Garden.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100,000 participants expected.
- 2,000 police personnel deployed for security.
- Protest organized by Karnataka Ulema Associations.
- Slogans raised emphasized rights over Waqf.
- Traffic restrictions imposed until late evening.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), April 18 (NationPress) A significant protest took place on Friday against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in this coastal city of Karnataka, drawing a huge crowd. The Karnataka Police implemented comprehensive security measures to uphold law and order in the sensitive region of Mangaluru. The protest assembly occurred at Shah Garden in the Adyar area.
The event was orchestrated by the Karnataka Ulema Associations.
Traffic restrictions were enforced in the vicinity until 9 p.m., and over 2,000 police officers were dispatched to the scene.
Five Superintendents of Police (SPs) and 230 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) are actively overseeing the situation.
Organisers anticipated nearly 100,000 participants, with large numbers arriving from nearby districts such as Karwar, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, and various areas of Mangaluru. An appeal was made during Friday prayers in mosques, encouraging attendance at the protest.
Protesters displayed Indian flags and shouted slogans like, “Yeh Waqf hamari hai, yeh haq hamari hai, yeh jaan se pyaari hai” (The Waqf is ours; this is our right and it is dearer than life).
The grounds of Shah Garden were packed with people, and the crowd extended onto National Highway 73, linking Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
Although police had set up metal detectors at the entrances of the Shah Grounds and were managing entry through them, they had to dismantle the detectors due to the overwhelming turnout.
A diverse group of protesters, including children, the elderly, and youth, participated in the demonstration.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the state government on Friday for permitting the protest, labeling it a Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sponsored event.
