New Delhi :
In a significant show of unity and resolve, prominent Muslim leaders, intellectuals, and former Members of Parliament have jointly issued a powerful appeal to protect the constitutional and religious rights of the Muslim community. The appeal comes in the wake of the controversial passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, which has sparked deep concern across the country.
The joint letter, signed by influential voices such as former MPs Azeez Pasha, Kunwar Danish Ali, and Shahid Siddiqui, as well as respected personalities like Wajahat Habibullah (Retd. IAS), Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah (Retd.), Syed Sadatullah Husaini (Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind), Dr. Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, and Prof. Mohd. Aslam, expresses heartfelt gratitude to Muslim parliamentarians for standing firmly against the proposed amendments to Waqf laws.
The signatories lauded the secular allies who stood with them during the debate, emphasizing that the struggle is not only about protecting Waqf properties but also about defending the inclusive and pluralistic fabric of the nation envisioned by the freedom fighters.
Navaid Hamid, General Secretary of the Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians and former President of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, who led the initiative, warned that the amendment bill undermines constitutional safeguards and contributes to growing disenchantment among Muslim youth.
“This bill sidelines minority voices and threatens the ideals of justice, equity, and religious freedom,” the letter states. It further calls on Muslim parliamentarians to present a united front by submitting a formal memorandum to the President of India, seeking urgent reconsideration of the legislation.
The letter suggests that if the President fails to act, further non-violent democratic measures such as daily sit-ins, boycotts of parliamentary sessions, and joint press briefings should be pursued to draw national attention to the issue.
The appeal serves as a rallying cry for strategic unity and continued vigilance in safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities at a time when political representation and religious freedoms are under increasing pressure.
