Jalgaon: Thousands and thousands of women gathered at the district headquarters here on Monday to protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. The protest was organised by the Tahaffuz Auqaf Committee, Jalgaon, Maharashtra at the call of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
In a remarkable display of discipline and unity, a massive and peaceful demonstration was held by women outside the Collector’s office here, opposing the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.
The women protesters, present in large numbers, demanded that the government immediately intervene to repeal the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 and ensure the protection of Waqf properties, which they believe are endangered by the recent amendments to the law.
This peaceful demonstration by women was supported by several community leaders and women’s organisations, with participation from Jalgaon and surrounding areas. Wearing traditional attire and holding placards, the women demanded protection of Waqf properties and preservation of cultural and religious heritage.
Speakers at the event included Nilofer M. Iqbal, Dr. Farah, Medical Officer, Civil Hospital Jalgaon; Ammarah Tasleem, General Secretary, GIO North Maharashtra; and Gulnaz, Nazia, among others.
The protest was organised by the Tahaffuz Auqaf Committee, Jalgaon, at the call of AIMPLB, with support from Farooq Shaikh of the committee, Mufti Khalid, Imam, Masjid Quba; Arif Deshmukh, member Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Jalgaon and District President, MPJ, and others.
The participating women demonstrators expressed strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, stating that its new provisions could lead to unnecessary government control over Waqf properties, reduced community participation, and increased bureaucratic interference.
They expressed concern that the implementation of the amended law could result in the misuse, sale, or mismanagement of lands and institutions dedicated to charitable and religious purposes.
One woman protester said, “Waqf properties are not just land or buildings – they are the heritage of our ancestors and a part of our identity.”
She added, “We will not allow any law to be implemented that weakens our rights or sidelines the community from Waqf management.”
At the conclusion of the protest, a delegation of organisers and protesting women met with the local Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and submitted an 11-point memorandum addressed to the President, demanding an immediate halt to the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.
The memorandum also called for transparency in the functioning of the Waqf Board, protection from illegal encroachments, and restoration of community participation in the decision-making process.
These ongoing protests against the Waqf law have received support from religious scholars, social organisations, and local leaders who believe it is essential to protect Waqf properties from any form of external interference.
The organisers indicated that a state-wide awareness campaign and large-scale movement are being planned, which could evolve into a broader mass movement.
The district administration confirmed receipt of the memorandum and assured that the protesters’ demands would be communicated to the concerned authorities.
Nilofer Iqbal highlighted the objectives of the protest, and the gathering concluded with a prayer led by Mufti Khalid.
At the end of the event, the delegation reaffirmed their resolve to continue their struggle until the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 is repealed.
