Public meeting against waqf legislation today

Muslim community members protesting against waqf legislation, near Charminar, Hyderabad, on Friday.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Demonstrations, some sporadic, others planned, rocked city streets no sooner than the Parliament passed the new waqf legislation. With several parties challenging the amendments to the waqf law in the Supreme Court, protests continue to be planned, with a key public meeting under the banner of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) scheduled on Saturday at Darussalaam.

Awareness campaigns are in full swing.

Meanwhile, several masjids on Friday, either before or immediately after congregational prayers in the afternoon, informed congregants of the AIMPLB’s public protest meeting.

Khaateebswho made the announcement, underscored the importance of knowing how these amendments are likely to affect waqf properties, particularly masjids and graveyards.

“As you know, the government has brought about in the Parliament the new waqf amendment. It becomes a matter of necessity for us to know how these will affect us. There is an all-party public meeting in Darussalaam. Please try to attend,” a Khaateeb of a masjid in Begumpet told congregants immediately after completing the Friday prayers.

Meanwhile, legislators, corporators, and other functionaries over the past five days have been busy canvassing, engaging with masjid managing committees, imams and Khaateebs to disseminate information about the public meeting. Furthermore, arrangements are in full swing, as regards the public meeting, with specific tasks assigned to legislators and party functionaries in terms of crowd control, parking and other logistical aspects.

“We are expecting several thousand people to come. It was made clear that the AIMPLB’s public meeting is crucial, and all efforts are being made to have fool proof arrangements. Areas have been assigned to MLAs, who will work with other volunteers to ensure smooth flow public. As informed earlier by our party president, the AIMPLB has invited members of other parties to participate,” said a party functionary.

Another meet on April 26

The Muslim Joint Action Committee (JAC) with Tehreek Muslim Shabban office-bearer Mushtaq Mallik and Majlis Bachao Tehreek former corporator spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan stated that a massive protest march would be organised at Dharna Chowk on April 26, and encouraged people to attend in large numbers.

A special supplicatory congregation was recently organised by Congress leaders and Member of Legislative Council Amer Ali Khan at Idgah Bilali, also known as the Hockey Ground, in Masab Tank.

Meanwhile, smaller protest were organised in other parts of the city, including near the historic Mecca Masjid, and neighbourhoods such as Kalapather.