Protest continues against Waqf Amendment Bill

For the third consecutive Friday, the Muslim community held protests outside mosques across the region after offering namaz this morning. The protests are being held over the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill by the Central Government.

Muslim organisations, religious leaders and social activists came together in unity to raise their voices against the Bill. Protests were also held in Nakodar and Nawanshahr. During protest, community leaders held banners with messages, “Save Indian Muslim Waqf properties”, “Save our Constitution” and “Take back black laws”.

The protesters asserted that the Bill was not merely a legal amendment, but a direct attack on the religious freedom, heritage and identity of the Muslim community. “This Bill is an Attack on Waqf properties,” leaders said.

Former member of the Punjab Waqf Board and president of the Punjab Muslim Front, Mohammad Kaleem Azad has been alleging that through this Bill, the government was attempting to take control of Muslim religious sites such as mosques, graveyards, Eidgahs and dargahs. This, he said, was not only a violation of fundamental constitutional rights, but also a direct assault on India’s secular and composite culture. “This is a conspiracy to erase Muslim identity,” Azad said.