Waqf Amendment Bill / Muslims protest against Waqf Bill across the country, from Calcutta to Hyderabad

Waqf Amendment Bill: After the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in India, protests have started across the country. Various organizations of the Muslim community have expressed displeasure over this bill and have started protesting by taking to the streets. Agitation against this bill is being seen in many parts of the country including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi.

Muslim community's reaction

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has termed this bill as a "dark chapter for democracy". He says that the government has passed this law by ignoring the concerns of Muslim organizations and the community. The board also alleges that the government is taking decisions under the influence of power and ignoring the voice of minorities. Muslim organizations have announced that they will continue the nationwide movement against this bill.

Protests from Ahmedabad to Kolkata

After the passage of the bill, protests are taking place in different states of the country. People of the Muslim community took to the streets in Ahmedabad and Kolkata to protest. Muslim organizations also took out rallies in Hyderabad and Mumbai and demanded the government to withdraw this law.

In view of the possible demonstration in Delhi, the police conducted a flag march in Jamia Nagar area and tight security arrangements have been made. Delhi Police and RPF have deployed additional police force to keep the situation under control.

Position of the government and the opposition

A heated debate was also seen in Parliament regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill. The government says that this bill will not interfere in any way in Muslim religious matters, but will make the management of Waqf properties more transparent.

At the same time, the opposition has targeted the government over this bill and called it an interference in the rights of the Muslim community. Opposition parties say that this bill can affect the religious and social structure of the minority community.

Way forward

Protests are going on across the country regarding this bill. Muslim organizations have planned large-scale protests. The government will now have to initiate dialogue to deal with this protest and address the concerns of the community. It will be interesting to see in the coming days whether any talks take place between the government and Muslim organizations or this protest becomes more intense.