Hyderabad: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) will organise a largescale public meeting here on April 19 to protest the Waqf Amendment Act.
The meeting will take place at Darussalam, the headquarters of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and will feature addresses by AIMPLB President Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, as well as leaders from various Muslim organisations.
Speaking to the media today, Owaisi said that AIMPLB members from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would participate. He added that leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and several other Muslim organisations are also expected to speak at the event.
The organisers are extending invitations to MPs who served on the JPC on Waqf. “We are reaching out to Waqf Committee members, and if their schedules allow, they will also join the protest,” Owaisi said.
He emphasised that the purpose of the meeting is to inform the public about the detrimental impact of the Act. “This legislation does not aim to protect Waqf properties, eliminate encroachments, or enhance their revenue. It is not in the interest of Waqf,” he said.
Reiterating his stance, Owaisi described the Act as “unconstitutional” and a “black law” imposed by the BJP with the support of its NDA allies.
He criticised the Act’s discriminatory provisions, asserting that it reflects the BJP’s mistrust of Muslims. “In the endowment boards of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, only followers of those respective religions can become board members. The Limitation Act does not apply to them, allowing them to claim ownership of properties by usage. Additionally, individuals of other religions can donate property to these boards. The Modi government has stripped the Waqf Board of these same rights,” he claimed.
“How can something that is acceptable for Hindu and Sikh communities be deemed inappropriate for Muslims?” Owaisi asked.
He further argued that the Act violates several constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 15, 25, 26, and 29.
Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Owaisi said, “We urge the Prime Minister to reconsider this Act. It is unconstitutional and imposes an ideology that goes against the spirit of Indian nationalism and the Constitution.”
Commenting on the recent violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, during anti-Waqf Act protests, Owaisi said, “We unequivocally condemn violence. We have always advocated for peaceful protest and will continue to do so. Any form of violence is unacceptable.”
