New Delhi : As the controversial Waqf Amendment Act faces judicial scrutiny in the Supreme Court, massive protests continue across India. One of the largest demonstrations took place near National Highway 73 at Shah Grounds in Mangaluru, Karnataka, under the banner of ‘Ulama Coordination Karnataka’. Held after Friday prayers, the protest drew lakhs of Muslims voicing their strong opposition to the central government’s proposed changes to the Waqf law.
Waving the tricolour from rooftops and treetops, protesters chanted “Allahu Akbar” and “Azaadi” (freedom), filling the air with passionate slogans. Placards reading “Reject Waqf Amendment Act” and “Stop Politics Over Waqf” were seen throughout the crowd.
Prominent Islamic scholar B.K. Abdul Qadir Qasmi condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks in which he suggested that due to mismanagement of Waqf properties, Muslims are forced to work in tyre repair shops. Qasmi countered, saying the comment was not made out of love but to create division. “Our heritage includes the Taj Mahal and Charminar. We have contributed immensely to India’s identity,” he added.
Former Karnataka Waqf Board president Shafi Saadi warned, “Those who have forced us onto the streets will face the people on May 5.” He emphasized that no Waqf board has encroached upon temple or farmland, and vowed to resist the law just as the Muslim community had during the Shah Bano case.
