Immigrant Rights Under Siege: Thousands Unite Against Manipur’s Waqf Act, Threaten ‘Holy War’ for Repeal

Thousands of Muslim Protesters Take to the Streets in Manipur Demanding Repeal of Waqf (Amendment) Act

In a show of defiance against the central government, thousands of Muslim protesters gathered in Manipur’s capital city, Imphal, on Friday to demand the immediate repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The mass protests, led by the Meitei Pangals, saw participants raise placards and shout slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, which was accused of introducing the Act without the consent of the Muslim community.

The protesters, who gathered at Mantripukhri and Hatta Golapati, urged the government to “Save Masjid, Madrasa, Qabrstan” and condemned what they called “racial policies.” They also shouted slogans against the BJP, calling for the government to “Hands Off WAQF Properties.” The protests were not limited to Imphal, with demonstrations also taking place in the Kshetrigao Assembly constituency and Yairipok Tulihal in the Imphal East district.

Haji Arafat Ali Tampakmayum, president of the Meitei Pangal Council Manipur, addressed the media during the demonstration, warning that Muslims would be forced to “resort to ‘Jihad’ to reclaim their rights” if the Act is not repealed. The Act, which was enacted in 2025, has been met with widespread opposition from Muslim leaders and community members, who claim it hurts their sentiments and violates their rights.

In response to the use of the term “Jihad” by some protesters, MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, who joined the protests, urged his fellow demonstrators to opt for non-violent forms of protest. “The protest is peaceful and democratic. I condemn the use of any word that goes against the spirit of non-violence,” he said.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act has been deemed unconstitutional by many, including the Muslim community, who argue it violates their rights and hinders their ability to manage their own religious affairs. The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver a verdict soon.

The protests in Manipur are the latest in a series of demonstrations against the Act, which have seen widespread violence and unrest in various parts of the country. As the nation waits with bated breath for the Supreme Court’s decision, one thing is clear: the Muslim community in Manipur and beyond will continue to fight for their rights and against what they perceive as discriminatory laws.

Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/cities/waqf-protest-manipur-thousands-demonstrate-in-imphal-threaten-jihad-if-waqf-act-not-repealed-1764656
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Publish Date: 2025-04-12 08:03:00