Shimla : In response to a nationwide call by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a peaceful symbolic protest was held in parts of Shimla on Wednesday evening against the recent amendments to the Wakf Board Act.
The AIMPLB had appealed to members of the Muslim community across the country to turn off lights in their homes and mosques from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM as a symbolic act of dissent. The protest was aimed at highlighting concerns over the amendments, which the Board claims infringe upon the rights of the community in managing religious properties.
In Shimla, the demonstration received partial response. According to a report from the Sadar Police Station, lights were switched off at the Jama Masjid and the Eidgah in Lakkar Bazar, indicating solidarity with the Board’s appeal. However, other mosques in the Sadar jurisdiction reportedly did not participate in the protest.
Despite the mixed response from mosques, a significant number of Muslim families residing in private homes chose to support the symbolic blackout. Police confirmed that the protest was conducted peacefully without any disruptions to public order or daily life.
The amendments to the Wakf Board Act have sparked debate across the country. While many in the Muslim community perceive the changes as a threat to religious and administrative autonomy, others argue that the move aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the management of Wakf assets.
Authorities assured that the situation in Shimla remained calm and that no untoward incidents were reported during the protest.
