Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Protests In Imphal Valley, Kolkata, Chennai; Police Hold Flag March In Delhi

Following the passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, protests erupted in Imphal Valley, Manipur, with demonstrators expressing concerns about its impact on Waqf property autonomy.

File image.

Source : PTI

Hours after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament, protests were held in Manipur's Imphal Valley on Friday. According to news agency PTI, about 200 people had gathered at the Santhel Idgah in Imphal West district and held a demonstration. The Santhel United Development Committee had organised the demonstration. The demonstrators raised concerns about the bill's impact on the autonomy and administration of Waqf properties.

According to the report, similar protests were also held at Keirao Makting in the Imphal East district. The protestors urged the government to withdraw the bill and engage with the Muslim community to address their concerns.

Former Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, hailed the bill, claiming that it sets the foundation for a more equitable and just future. The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament represents a landmark step. These bills will empower those who have long been excluded from opportunities, providing them with the means to actively participate in the growth of our society, he said in a post on X.

Besides Manipur, thousands gathered on the streets of Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad to protest against the bill. According to NDTV, a large crowd waving the national flag and carrying posters proclaiming 'we reject Waqf amendment' and 'Reject Waqf Bill' gathered at public meeting sites.

According to news agency PTI, Delhi Police along with paramilitary forces took out flag marches in some sensitive areas of the city, including Jamia Nagar and the Jamia Millia Islamia, to ensure that law and order is not disturbed.

By strengthening transparency in the management of Waqf properties and ensuring that marginalized voices are heard, this legislation sets the foundation for a more equitable and just future. It is a significant move towards bridging gaps and ensuring that no one is left behind, the BJP leader said.

The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. The bill aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare. It also seeks to improve governance by enhancing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities, and protecting stakeholders’ rights.