Over five lakh Muslims gathered in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, for the ‘Save Constitution’ Conference. Jamiat President Maulana Arshad Madani, addressing the gathering, criticized the proposed constitutional amendments, calling them an attack on religious rights, community heritage, and a bid to seize Waqf properties.
Criticising the amendments, he said that under the guise of protection, the Waqf bill aims to seize Waqf properties. “How is it fair that the properties that belong to us be taken care of by someone else? This isn’t just a legal issue but a question of faith. We do not welcome any interference in our religious issues,” he said.
He further slammed the parties that have spoken in favour of the bill.
Madani noted that the country can only be saved by upholding the constitution.
In his brief address, he also talked about the priorities of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind – peace, harmony and love for the nation.
“This country is ours. Our ancestors lived here for centuries. We must make sure our country progresses through mutual respect.”
“If the constitution survives the country will survive, if the country survives, we will survive,” Madani said.
He questioned the intentions of the government behind the amendments arguing that the bill does not go hand in hand with the principle enshrined in the constitution. “If the constitution is violated the Nation’s unity and stability are at stake,” he added.
Madani also urged nationwide efforts to oppose the proposed bill. He said, “The voice that is rising from here is not just for this state or country it must echo across the world,” he said praising the unity shown by Kadapa Muslims.
The conference was summed up with the presentation of a draft with over 5 lakh signatures opposing the bill. The document is said to be submitted to Naidu representing the voices of the Muslim community in Andhra Pradesh.
