Calicut, Kerala – Kerala Police resorted to baton charge, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse protestors on Wednesday who were marching towards Calicut International Airport in opposition to the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act. The protest was jointly organized by the Solidarity Youth Movement and the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), the youth and student wings of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in Kerala, reported the Roznamakhabrein.
Hundreds of protestors continued blocking access to the airport after police arrested six key leaders, including Solidarity Youth Movement’s state president Tawfiq Mambad and SIO’s state president Advocate Abdul Wahid.
The blockade was formally inaugurated by Malik Moatasim Khan, a national leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Other prominent speakers included veteran Dalit leader K Ambujakshan, renowned author and Christian leader Y.T. Vaniyaraj, Welfare Party of India’s national vice president Hameed Vaniyambalam, and Congress leader Dr. Jinto John. Protesters condemned the Waqf Amendment Act, calling it part of a “genocidal plan” by the Hindu nationalist government.
At least a dozen individuals were injured in the police action and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
