Tensions are flaring up in the northeastern states following the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Parliament. Large protests took place in Manipur on Sunday. Muslim groups organized marches to show their anger against the new law passed by the Union Parliament and shouted strong slogans. They promised to keep protesting until the Waqf Amendment Act is changed or completely removed.
The protests caused chaos in different areas of Manipur, led by civil society organizations. The most intense protests happened on National Highway 102 in Lilong, Thoubal district, which became the center of the violence. The protesters shouted slogans like ‘Allahu Akbar’ and ‘Naara-e-Takbeer’.
Muslim protesters in Manipur started their protest by offering Namaz at Aliya Madrasah and then marched through Lilong Haoreibi. They carried placards and banners, warning that they would continue protests in the Northeast and across India. One protester, Mufti Ziur Rahman, told India Today that the new law was “unacceptable” to Muslims. Another leader, Sakir Ahmed, said the Waqf Amendment Act was an attack on the rights of Muslims and minorities.
He explained that the law lets non-Muslims, like MPs and MLAs, interfere in Waqf Board matters, which he said is wrong. He argued that Waqf properties should be managed by the Muslim community, and this law is an effort to erase the rights and identity of Muslims in India.
A group of Muslim women, wearing niqab and burqa, joined the protests, blocking roads and causing traffic jams. The protesters also clashed with security forces in Irong Chesaba after they were stopped from going further. The situation was quickly controlled, preventing more violence. Protesters even involved schoolchildren and continued shouting strong slogans. Similar protests were also held in other areas like Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, and Kiyamgei Muslim.
According to the 2011 Census, Muslims make up 8.40% of Manipur’s population, most of whom are Meitei Pangals.
House Of BJP Leader Set On Fire
A large group of Muslims set fire on Sunday to the house of BJP leader Askar Ali Makakmayum in Lilong, Thoubal district, Manipur, where protests against the Waqf Amendment Act were taking place. Askar Ali Makakmayum is the President of the BJP’s Minority Morcha in Manipur. He had supported the new law on Saturday.
Reports say that around 7,000 to 8,000 protesters, armed with sticks and stones, attacked his house, damaged it, and set it on fire. After the attack, Askar Ali made an apology. He posted on Facebook saying, “Please do not politicize this issue. If anything I said has hurt anyone’s feelings, I sincerely apologize. I request the central government to withdraw this law.” He also tagged PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Kiren Rijiju, and Jamal Siddiqui in his post.
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