"Direct threat to secularism": AIMPLB opposes Waqf Amendment Act, calls for nationwide protests

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 4 (ANI): In opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Sunday launched a nationwide movement under the banner 'Save Waqf, Save Constitution,' calling the amendment a direct threat to secularism and the rights of minority communities.

The AIMPLB has accused the central government of prioritising communal interests over constitutional values and has announced to stage nationwide protests until July 7, said an official statement.

Maulana Gayas Ahmed Rashadi, a member of the AIMPLB, spoke to ANI and said, "The progress of a country depends on justice for its citizens. If a country's central government does not ensure justice for all communities, classes, and individuals, and does not recognise their fundamental rights or agree to grant them, then neither the government will be strong nor the country will succeed. Our nation is composed of various religions and communities, and when the Constitution was established, principles were laid down to protect the fundamental rights of all religious and social groups."

"This collection of principles is known as the Constitution. However, the central government has prioritised communalism for its political interests and has passed the Waqf Amendment Act in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The country is now divided into two camps- secularism and communalism," he said.

Adding further, he said, "The All India Muslim Personal Law Board serves as an exemplary platform that represents secular and justice-oriented political parties. It also provides representation to the Dalits, who were pushed into social degradation by the upper caste. Additionally, it includes representatives of various Islamic sects and schools of thought. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the President of the Board, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, along with board members, especially Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi MP, are actively opposing the Waqf Amendment Act."

As per an official release from the AIMPLB, the Board has decided that the struggle for rightful claims will continue until the Act is withdrawn.

As the first phase of the movement, protests have been planned nationwide from April 10 to July 7, and are being successfully conducted nationwide, bringing a ray of hope to the ''Lights Off Protest 2025," in various forms. 

The release said that the campaign "'Save Waqf, Save Constitution" protest rallies are being held across the country, and the momentum is growing.

"It appears that this movement will intensify in the coming days. A round-table meeting will be held in Hyderabad on May 18, where selected personalities will consult and give important messages to further strengthen this movement. Similar round-table meetings will be held in all districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh," said the release.

"On May 22, after Maghrib prayer, a women's protest gathering will take place at Eidgah Bilali Hockey Ground, with participation from key board officials. On May 25, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, a human chain will be formed not only in Hyderabad but also in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. A roadmap for this event has been prepared, and responsible individuals are being designated at the neighbourhood level. Every household's men, women, and youth will participate in this human chain," said the AIMPLB release.

It further said, "On June 1, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a protest sit-in will be held at Indira Park Dharna Chowk, with large participation from men and women. A designated route from the NTR Stadium will be provided for women. Through this movement, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board aims to protect Waqf and safeguard the Constitution. This first phase will continue until July 7, after which board officials will decide the next steps."

"In Telangana, designated conveners Maulana Ghyas Ahmad Rashadi and Maulana Umar Abideen Qasmi can be contacted for further details. Protest gatherings will be organised across different districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh," it added. 

Earlier on April 27, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act in Karnataka's Kalaburagi.

On April 25, the Union Government filed its preliminary affidavit in the Supreme Court, seeking the dismissal of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, as it stated that the law does not violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively, was passed in both Houses and later received the President's assent on April 5, after which it became law. (ANI)