Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 9: "We are ready to sacrifice our lives to demand the rights granted by the Constitution. This fight is not against anyone but for our rights under Shariah, and no one can suppress it," said Shafi Saadi, treasurer of Ulama Coordination Karnataka.
He was addressing a protest march and demonstration held in the city on Sunday against the controversial Wakf Amendment Bill proposed by the central government.
Speaking after the protest march from Milagres to Clock Tower, Shafi Saadi questioned, "Why is the government eyeing the properties our ancestors have given us? The government’s duty is to focus on development, create employment, and foster harmony among all. Instead, you create controversies over issues like hijab, Wakf, CAA, and NRC, which do not benefit the country in any way."
Ulama Coordination secretary UK Abdul Azeez Darimi Chokkabettu alleged that the amendments to the Wakf Bill were made to undermine the Wakf system. "The government's intention is not reform but eradication. Why are we repeatedly being trapped in different controversies?" he asked.
He further stated that the Wakf Amendment Bill was a hidden agenda and part of a conspiracy against Muslims in the country. "The central government, which has already privatized airports and ports, is now targeting Wakf properties," he added.
He recalled that Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar had donated land for mosques and Tipu Sultan had allocated land for temples. "Muslims of this country never surrendered to the Portuguese, Dutch, British, or French rulers. Muhammad Ali’s lineage stood firm and demanded independence," he said.
Other speakers at the protest included Ulama coordination secretary Dr MSM Abdur Rashid Zaini Kamil Sakafi and SKSSF state general secretary Anees Kousari.
Sayyid Ismail Thangal Ujire presided over the event.
Vice presidents UK Muhammad Saadi Valavoor and general secretary KM Usman Faizi Todar led the protest.
Scholar KM Abubakar Siddique Montugoli read out a memorandum to be submitted to the central and state governments.
More than 5,000 people participated in the protest march.