Thousands Protest Against Waqf Act In Manipur, Threaten 'Jihad' If Legislation Not Repealed
Thousands of Muslim protestors on Friday hit the streets in Manipur's Imphal against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, demanding to immediately repeal the law.
The Meitei Pangals staged demonstrations at Mantripukhri and Hatta Golapati in the state capital and criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government for introducing the Act.
Protestors raised placards that read “Save Masjid, Madrasa, Qabrstan,” “We Strongly Condemn the Govt.'s Racial Policies,” “We Reject WAQF Act,” and “Hands Off WAQF Properties. They also shouted slogans against the BJP, reported India Today.
Protests were also held in the Kshetrigao Assembly constituency and were joined by MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan. Similar demonstrations took place in Yairipok Tulihal in the Imphal East district.
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Repeal Act Or Face Jihad
Haji Arafat Ali Tampakmayum, president of the Meitei Pangal Council Manipur, threatened to resort to 'Jihad' if the legislation is not repealed.
Addressing the media during the demonstration, Arafat said, "The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 was enacted forcibly against the will of the Muslim community. The Act must be repealed immediately."
“The central government has hurt the sentiments of Muslims," he said, adding, "If the Act is not repealed, we may be forced to resort to ‘Jihad’ to reclaim our rights.”
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Legislator Responds To Use Of 'Jihad'
MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan reacted to the use of the word "Jihad" by some protestors advocating non-violent forms of protest against the legislation.
“The protest is peaceful and democratic. I condemn the use of any word that goes against the spirit of non-violence,” he said.
“The Waqf (Amendment) Act is a violation of the Constitution of India and the rights of minorities, especially the Muslim community. The matter is now before the Supreme Court, and we trust justice will prevail," he added.
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