Kolkata: Thousands of Muslims across West Bengal formed human chains outside mosques after Friday prayers, protesting the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The protest was part of the nationwide “Save Waqf” campaign led by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
The peaceful demonstration took place across all 23 districts of the state. It marked a historic moment of unity and dissent. Over 2,900 mosques took part in the protest.
The protest was led by Maulana Mohammad Abu Talib Rahmani, AIMPLB Working Committee member and Chairman of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Centre. He is also the Convener of the Waqf Protection Committee in West Bengal.
“This is a historic day,” said Maulana Rahmani. “Muslims from every district came together to oppose a law that violates our constitutional and religious rights.”
Earlier, on June 3, memorandums opposing the Act were submitted to all District Magistrates and the Governor. This was a well-organized step in the campaign.
The human chain protests saw active participation from civil society leaders, religious scholars, and volunteers. They worked district-wise to ensure smooth execution.
West Bengal has over 5,000 mosques, both registered and unregistered. On the protest day, 2,963 mosques participated. Protesters held banners and placards demanding Waqf protection and rejecting the 2025 amendments. They raised slogans for unity and legal rights.
Key figures in the campaign included:
Peerzada Uzair Siddiqui (Deputy Convener)
Alhaj Mahmood Alam (Board Member)
Shadab Masoom (JIH WB Secretary)
Peerzada Sauban Siddiqui (Furfura Sharif)
Umar Owais (Human Care Trust President)
Athar Firdousi (SR Foundation)
Naushad Ali (Islah-e-Muashra Committee)
The protest covered: Alipurduar, Bankura, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Howrah, Dakshin Dinajpur, Hooghly, Jhargram, Kolkata, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, Paschim Bardhaman, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Purba Medinipur, Purulia, and South 24 Parganas.
Maulana Rahmani said the campaign would continue. Future plans include public programs, legal awareness drives, and mass mobilization. “Our protest will remain peaceful and democratic,” he added.
The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 is under nationwide criticism. Minorities say it reduces Waqf Board autonomy, threatens religious freedom, and allows government interference in Waqf matters.
The AIMPLB has challenged the Act in the Supreme Court. The protest in West Bengal reflects growing grassroots opposition. Leaders vowed to protect Muslim rights and urged the central government to repeal the Act.
“This is about more than property,” said a protester. “It’s about our identity, heritage, and future. May Allah protect us from this unjust law.”
More such protests are expected in other states, inspired by West Bengal’s peaceful resistance model.
