A government that is not justice-loving cannot last long” – Maulana Fazlurrahim

Nationwide protests continue against the Waqf Amendment Act

Waseem Akram

Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Protests against the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act are continuing across the country. Leading Muslim organizations such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind are at the forefront of this opposition movement. A joint campaign titled “Save Waqf, Save Constitution” is being run across the country.

As part of this ongoing campaign, a press conference was held on Thursday at Grand Indiana Restaurant in Jaipur. The event was attended by Maulana Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi (General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board), Dr. Qasim Rasool Ilyas (Coordinator of the “Save Waqf, Save Constitution” campaign), Muhammad Nazimuddin (State President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind), Hafiz Manzoor Ali Khan (State Vice President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind), Dr. Shahabuddin (State Vice President of SDPI), and several other dignitaries.

Maulana Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of the Board, stated that governments should be justice-oriented, as oppression and injustice cannot continue for long. He cited various examples from the Mughal period, British rule, and present-day governments to emphasize his point. He said, “A government that does not value justice cannot last long; such regimes inevitably come to an end.

Waqf Amendment Act is discriminatory: Dr. Qasim Rasool

Dr. Qasim Rasool Ilyas pointed out that all previous Waqf amendments had been preceded by consultations with the community. However, in the present case, the central government has completely ignored the community. He said, “The recent amendments passed unilaterally by the central government are discriminatory and unconstitutional. They violate fundamental rights enshrined under Articles 14, 15, 25, 26, and 29 of the Indian Constitution and appear to be a deliberate effort to seize and destroy Muslim Waqf properties.”

Establishment of Waqf Ummeed Portal is unlawful

Dr. Qasim Rasool, National Spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, termed the establishment of the Waqf Ummeed Portal as unlawful and contempt of court. He said, “The matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court, yet the government launched the Waqf Ummeed Portal on June 6, making the registration of Waqf properties mandatory. This action is completely illegal and clearly constitutes contempt of court.”

He further informed that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has challenged these amendments in the Supreme Court and under the banner of “Save Waqf, Save Constitution”, they are launching a nationwide peaceful mass campaign.

Other dignitaries present

Several representatives from various social, political, and religious organizations also attended the meeting organized today by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and the “Save Waqf, Save Constitution” campaign committee. Among them were:

• K.C. Ghumaria (State President, All India Tribal Development Council)

• Shabbir Khan (Secretary, Anjuman Taleemul Muslimeen)

• Shaukat Qureshi (Former Member, Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqfs & Secretary, Muslim Musafir Khana Management Committee)

• Naeemuddin Qureshi (Former President, Jama Masjid Committee)

• Abdul Latif Arko (State President, Dalit-Muslim Unity Forum)

• Professor M. Hasan

• Father Vijay (Christian Missionary)

• Waqar Ahmad Khan (State President, Welfare Party of India)

and many others.