Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 5: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has mounted a strong opposition to the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill, denouncing it as a grave "threat to Islamic values, Shariah, and the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution." Declaring its intent to launch a widespread nationwide protest campaign, the AIMPLB asserts that these legislative changes undermine the rights and freedoms of Muslims across the country.
In a strongly worded statement, the AIMPLB condemned the amendments as a direct assault on religious, cultural, and communal harmony, as well as the very fabric of the Constitution. The Board further accused certain political entities of aligning with the BJP's "communal agenda," thereby "exposing their false claims" of secularism.
"These amendments violate Islamic teachings, religious freedoms, and the basic values enshrined in our Constitution," the AIMPLB declared. "The support extended by some political parties to the BJP's divisive agenda highlights the disingenuous nature of their secular claims."
The Board unveiled its strategy to spearhead a nationwide movement, forging alliances with diverse religious, community-based, and social organizations. This concerted effort will persist until the contentious amendments are completely repealed.
Reassuring the Muslim community throughout India, the AIMPLB urged them to maintain hope and patience. The Board pledged that its leadership would not hesitate to make any necessary sacrifices for this cause and that a robust, constitutionally grounded movement would be initiated to challenge the changes. It also emphasized that this struggle would involve all justice-seeking individuals and groups across the nation.
"The leadership will not shy away from any sacrifice in this cause and will join hands with others who seek justice, initiating a powerful movement within the constitutional framework," the statement affirmed.
Maulana Muhammad Fazlur Raheem Mujaddidi, the General Secretary of AIMPLB, detailed the Board's multifaceted approach to combat the bill. He announced that the Board would pursue legal recourse by challenging the amendments in the Supreme Court, while simultaneously organizing peaceful protests. These protests will encompass demonstrations, symbolic acts such as wearing black armbands, and the dissemination of information through public discussions and media briefings.
The AIMPLB's statement also outlined plans for mass demonstrations across various regions, including symbolic arrests of Muslim leaders in state capitals and widespread protests at the district level. "Muslim leaders will engage in symbolic arrests in every state capital, and district-level protests will follow. At the conclusion of these protests, formal petitions will be presented to the President and Home Minister through local authorities," the Board stated.
The initial phase of the movement will be dedicated to raising public awareness about the potential ramifications of the amendments on Waqf properties and fundamental constitutional rights, operating under the banner "Save Waqf, Save the Constitution." This week-long phase, spanning from one Friday to the next, will primarily involve discussions aimed at countering what the AIMPLB perceives as false narratives propagated by the government and other sectarian groups.
"During this period, several initiatives will be undertaken, including roundtable discussions with citizens, intended to counter the misinformation and propaganda being pushed by the government and divisive elements, providing logical facts in response," the AIMPLB elaborated.
The protest campaign will also feature large-scale demonstrations in major metropolitan centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Patna, with the inaugural major gathering scheduled to take place at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi. "Protests will be held in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Vijayawada, Malappuram, Patna, Ranchi, Malerkotla, and Lucknow," the statement specified.
These initial protests are slated to continue until Eid al-Adha, with plans for the subsequent phase of the movement to be determined thereafter.
In his appeal to the Muslim community, particularly the youth, the Board's General Secretary urged them to remain composed and steadfast in their opposition. He advised against impulsive actions or allowing emotions to dictate their responses, as this could provide an opportunity for disruptive elements. The Board also underscored the importance of maintaining a well-organized and peaceful campaign, adhering closely to the guidance of the leadership.