– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: On April 30, Muslims across India observed a 15-minute blackout to protest the Waqf Amendment Act. The silent protest, called ‘Batti Gul’, was led by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). From 9:00 to 9:15 PM, lights were switched off in homes, mosques, shops, and offices across major cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Aurangabad, Gulbarga, and Calicut.
In Mumbai, neighborhoods like Jogeshwari, Andheri, Mira Road, Govandi, Kurla, Millat Nagar, and Malvani saw nearly 95% participation, said AIMPLB member Hafiz Iqbal Chunawala. Raza Academy’s Muhammad Saeed Noori confirmed similar support in Bhendi Bazaar, Byculla, Cheeta Camp, and Sion.
In Hyderabad, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi joined residents and shopkeepers in Abids and the Old City. He shared a message on X:
Activist Syed Abdahu Kashaf posted a video saying:
“This is just the beginning. Our voice will not be silenced.”
Visuals emerged from Old Delhi, Parbhani, Beed, Jalna, Malegaon, and towns in Bihar. Journalist Irfan Khan shared scenes from Hyderabad:
Bhiwandi areas like Dargah Diwan Shah, Kotwal Shah, Zaitoon Pura, and Nai Basti also joined. In Kalyan, lights were off even in mosques and public spots.
AIMPLB said the amendment threatens community control of mosques, dargahs, graveyards, and trusts. Spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas said more protests, human chains, and public meets will follow.
The campaign had paused (April 23–26) after the Pahalgam attack. April 30 marked its resumption.
