-Mohd. Naushad KhanThe All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held a ‘Save Waqf Conference’ at Talkatora Stadium, Delhi, on Tuesday, attended by Muslim scholars, political leaders, and representatives from various religious and social groups.
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, AIMPLB President, called the Waqf Act ineffective in protecting Waqf properties. He urged for a democratic and legal fight, warning that if needed, those in sherwani today will come in kafan tomorrow. He said the struggle would continue until the Bill is completely withdrawn. He also cautioned attendees to be alert against any conspiracies to sabotage the movement.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind President Syed Sadatullah Husaini criticized the government’s UMEED scheme, calling it deceptive and divisive. He broke it down:
U for Unconstitutional, violating Articles 14, 15, 25, 26, and 29.
M for Manipulation, aiming to fool the public and grab Waqf lands.
E for Exclusion, legally isolating Muslims.
E for Encroachment, infringing on state, minority, and democratic rights.
D for Division, aiming to split communities, especially Hindus and Muslims.
He added that despite its divisive nature, the Act had united people. Redefining WAQF:
W is Wake up – raise awareness.
A is Act – support peaceful protest.
Q is Question – raise questions about the Act in public forums.
F is Fixing the narrative – counter false narratives through reason.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi called the BJP’s 16-page Waqf booklet full of lies. He said the Act legitimises illegal Waqf land grab and alleged Modi’s bias against Muslims. He emphasized that Abdul is not grabbing orphanage land; rather, a friend of Modi is. Abdul remains poor due to systemic oppression. He claimed the law is meant to gift Waqf land to the RSS on its 100th anniversary and vowed to fight till the law is scrapped.
RJD MP Prof. Manoj Jha supported the protests, saying the fight is not just for Muslims. He assured that a large section of society backs this stand for justice. He warned of provocations and called for unity and vigilance.
Shia leader Maulana Kalbe Jawwad stressed the need for unity against rising fanaticism. He questioned how long Muslims would stay defensive and urged opening a legal front with a strong narrative.
SP MP Dharmendra Yadav said the BJP cannot digest the vast extent of Waqf land. He assured full support—from Parliament to the streets and courts—and said many in Hindu society stand with Muslims in this fight.
AIMPLB accused NDA allies like JD(U), TDP, LJP (Ram Vilas), and HAM(S) of betraying Muslims. The Board demanded they push the government to withdraw the new Waqf law or face opposition from the community on all fronts.
Board spokesperson S.Q.R. Ilyas announced a protest gathering in Maharashtra on April 27 and called for a nationwide ‘Lights Out’ protest for 15 minutes on April 30.
