The rally condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack and called for a thorough investigation and strict action against the perpetrators
BIDAR (Karnataka) – Thousands of people from different faiths and all walks of life staged a massive protest here against the recently enacted Waqf Act, expressing strong disapproval of the legislation.
The rally also condemned the Pahalgam attack in the strongest possible terms.
Dr Abdul Qadeer, Convener of the Joint Action Committee, Bidar District, and Executive Member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), led the rally. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits were among those participating in the rally following the AIMPLB’s directives.
The rally began at the historic Jamia Masjid in the city and proceeded through Mahmud Gawan Chowk, Shahganj Main Road, and ended at Ambedkar Circle, where it transformed into a large public meeting. Despite the scorching heat, thousands gathered to express their concerns over what they described as a law that infringes upon religious and constitutional rights.
Shops, markets, and commercial establishments across the town remained closed in solidarity, including those run by members of the Jamiat-e-Quresh, Baghban community, and local shopping centres. The rally highlighted a growing wave of dissent against the Waqf Act. It also called for upholding the secular and inclusive values enshrined in the Constitution.
Leaders Speak Out
In his opening address, Dr Abdul Qadeer said, “The government’s interference in Waqf properties poses a serious threat to the nation. This is not a one-day protest — it is the beginning of a continuous movement. Until the Waqf Amendment Act is withdrawn, our resistance will continue.”
He called on those who remain silent to raise their voices, warning that if action is not taken now, even mosques, madrasas, and graveyards could be at risk in the future. He also thanked leaders and citizens from various religious communities who joined the protest and expressed solidarity.
Karnataka Minister of State for Local Government and Hajj Affairs, Muhammad Rahim Khan, addressed the gathering, stating, “This is not just an issue of Waqf — it concerns the identity, future, and constitutional fabric of the country. These amendments are arbitrary, discriminatory, and violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.”
He alleged that the amendments were intended to remove Muslim representation from the management and administration of Waqf properties and warned that the Muslim community would resist any such attempts. He called on the youth to remain united and stand as a strong force against the law.
Maulana Abu Talib Rahmani, AIMPLB member, emphasised that Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution grant religious communities the freedom to manage their religious affairs and institutions. He argued that the amendment deprives Muslims of these rights while other religious endowments — Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Jain, and Buddhist — retain them.
The AIMPLB has urged the Supreme Court to review the amendment and ensure that the rights of minorities are protected.
Pahalgam Tragedy Condemned
Protest leaders also condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. They demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against the perpetrators. At the same time, they warned against politicising the incident to fuel communal tension.
Two memorandums were submitted to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bidar, representing the President of India: Opposing the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, stating that it undermines Islamic religious values, cultural freedoms, and India’s secular and pluralistic traditions.
Condemning the Pahalgam attack, the rally called for justice for the victims and urged authorities to prevent the incident from being used to divide communities.
The event concluded with a two-minute silence in memory of the Pahalgam tragedy victims. A broad coalition of community leaders, municipal representatives, and religious scholars was present on the dais, including Chairman of Bidar City Municipal Council Muhammad Ghaus, Maulana Sirajuddin Nizami, Maulana Tassaduq Nadvi, and leaders from Dalit, Sikh, and Kuruba communities.
