Muslims across India have launched widespread protests against a controversial amendment to the Waqf Act. The demonstration was organized in the southern city of Hyderabad under the initiative of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, a leading Muslim organization in the country.
Asaduddin Owaisi, the influential politician and head of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), strongly criticized the amendment, stating that the law must be repealed as it contradicts the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
According to TRT World, thousands of people participated in a mass protest held in Hyderabad on Saturday. Several petitions have already been filed with the Supreme Court challenging the new law.
Owaisi described the protest as a “symbol of unity against the Waqf Amendment Act” and expressed gratitude for the participation of multiple organizations. He emphasized that peaceful protests would continue across the country until the law is withdrawn.
The amended law, recently passed by the Indian Parliament, has sparked national controversy. Critics claim that it allows non-Muslims to be included in the Waqf Boards, which manage properties donated for religious or charitable purposes by Muslims. This has been perceived as a violation of minority religious rights.
The situation has escalated tensions, with reports indicating at least three deaths in violent clashes in West Bengal related to the issue.
The Indian government has assured the Supreme Court that no non-Muslims will be included in the Waqf Boards until the next hearing in May. However, Muslim communities and opposition parties argue that the law undermines constitutional principles and religious freedoms.
The movement, initiated by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and led by Owaisi, is now evolving into a nationwide peaceful mass protest.