AIMPLB Protests Waqf Bill in New Delhi; JPC Chairman Accuses Government of Fomenting Division

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the leading organization of Muslim clerics in India, is set to hold a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi today, March 17. The board has labeled the proposed legislation as a “direct assault” on Muslims, claiming it will facilitate the “seizure” of Waqf properties.

“The community perceives this as a direct assault,” AIMPLB stated in a recent communication.

The demonstration is slated to commence at 10 am. According to a released statement, the protest will feature representatives from the AIMPLB, leaders from major political and social groups, civil rights advocates, as well as significant leaders from Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC communities.

“Legislation amounts to bias”

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has endorsed the proposed amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after integrating adjustments suggested by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). This approval sets the stage for the bill to be presented in Parliament during the latter part of the budget session that commenced on March 10.

The legislation represents “bias,” according to Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson. He contended that it mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in management committees and councils, a stipulation absent in the governance of Hindu and Sikh endowments.

It has been reported that the Union Cabinet has adopted the majority of the amendments recommended by the JPC, chaired by BJP leader Jagdambika Pal. The committee approved the bill on January 27, endorsing all 14 modifications proposed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members.

Jagdambika Pal, a BJP Member of Parliament and Chairman of the JPC, criticized the AIMPLB for its forthcoming protest against the Bill, asserting that it could foster divisions and undermine Parliament’s legislative authority. Pal mentioned that AIMPLB had previously articulated its concerns to the committee, and those were reflected in the report.

“The AIMPLB was called before the committee after the amendment. We acknowledged the issues raised by them before the committee. Furthermore, we incorporated their points into our report…so why are they planning a protest in Delhi?…After the amendment, a more effective law will be established that benefits the poor, women, widows, and children associated with Waqf,” Pal told news agency ANI.

AIMPLB general secretary Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi expressed that the board endeavored to communicate with the government through all constitutional avenues, but felt their concerns were disregarded.

“Now, we have no choice but to resort to a protest. The government is intent on imposing this amendment upon us at any cost. We would prefer not to escalate tensions, but it seems the government desires conflict in every street and neighborhood, particularly regarding mosques and cemeteries. We aspire for a prosperous India, but under these circumstances, our vision cannot materialize. This amendment is detrimental to the country. The government has misled our innocent Hindu brothers as well,” Mujaddidi articulated.

Pal, however, accused AIMPLB of trying to mislead the populace. “If they are staging a protest against this Waqf (amendment), they are likely attempting to sow distrust among the people of the country and challenge Parliament’s authority to enact laws…they are trying to mislead the public and generate discord…this action is unwarranted,” Pal stated to ANI.