The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), along with other Muslim organisations, has announced a massive protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill in Kolkata and at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
In a press conference on Saturday, the Muslim bodies declared protests on Monday in Kolkata and on Thursday, March 13, at Jantar Mantar. The AIMPLB on Saturday also protested in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, warning the Chief Minister.
Extending its full support, the Jamiat Ulema e Hind urged religious scholars, social activists and all citizens who love justice to participate in the protest. Rejecting the bill, they alleged that the bill was a threat to Islam and constitutional identity.
The leaders also prompted the government not to interfere in the religious affairs of Muslims.
Jamiat’s president, Maulana Mahmood Madani, expressed his firm stance against the bill and stated, “Waqf is not personal property; it belongs to Allah. Any modifications or interference in its core structure is not just against principles of shariah but also is a violation of the constitution.”
Muslim bodies also alleged that despite sending mails collectively to the Joint Parliament Committee and arguing the problems with the bill in written documents and submitting it, the government isn’t moderating its stance yet.
They have argued that whenever any amendments were made, Muslim scholars were always consulted, and their opinions were considered. However, this time, no such consultations or discussions were made by the government.
Accusing the government of being adamant on passing a controversial bill, Syed Qasim Ilyas, AIMPLB’s spokesperson said, “Now that the government and its allies have decided to pass this controversial bill, there is a fear amongst Muslims that the bill will be passed during parliamentary session (which starts from next week). We held individual meetings with JPC members, but our requests fell on deaf ears.”
Urging the Trinamool Congress MPs to reject and oppose the bill when presented in Parliament, the Muslim leaders said that the MPs should cast their votes against the bill that is harmful to constitutional principles. The West Bengal government has passed a resolution in the State Assembly against the bill.
The Muslim body has called many Muslim organisations like Jamaat e Islami and Jamiat Ahle Hadees to actively take part in the protest to show full resistance against the bill.
