New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has launched a nationwide protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill, starting with a demonstration in Patna. Various Muslim organizations gathered at Gardanibagh on Wednesday to express their opposition to the proposed changes in Waqf property regulations, which have sparked widespread debate within the community.
As part of the protest strategy, AIMPLB has invited Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to join the movement. The organization has also planned demonstrations across multiple cities to increase pressure on the government. Leaders from various Muslim groups are participating in the campaign, and the agitation is expected to intensify in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Central Government has scheduled a meeting with all Members of Parliament to discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The session, set to take place in Coordination Room No 5 of Parliament from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Wednesday, aims to brief MPs on the proposed amendments before the Bill is formally introduced. The move comes amid rising opposition from several quarters.
The Bill has faced criticism from various organizations, including Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, which argues that the amendments could lead to mismanagement of Waqf properties and reduce the community’s role in managing religious endowments. AIMPLB spokesperson Qasim Rasool Ilyas condemned the Bill, calling it “communal” and claiming that it infringes on Muslim rights. He also accused the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of ignoring concerns raised by opposition parties and community representatives.
The JPC, after conducting multiple hearings, submitted its report recommending amendments, which were approved by 15 BJP MPs against the objections of 11 Opposition members. However, opposition leaders continue to raise concerns about the impact of the changes on Muslim religious and charitable institutions.
With protests gaining momentum, the government faces increasing pressure from both political opponents and community leaders, making the Waqf Amendment Bill a contentious issue in the coming weeks.
