Rallies across Imphal East and Bishnupur districts cite constitutional violations and potential threats to Muslim rights
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI/IMPHAL – Protests have erupted in various parts of Manipur, with large crowds gathering in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts to voice their opposition to the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act. The protests, which saw a diverse range of participants, including burqa-clad women, reflect deep concerns over the implications of the law, which protesters argue could infringe on constitutional rights and undermine the unity of India.
The protests began in Kwakta, a town in Bishnupur district, where demonstrators marched a distance of four kilometres, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Act. The participants, many of whom were women, voiced their concerns about the Act’s potential to disrupt the constitutional framework of the country and target the Muslim community.
Mohammad Nasir, one of the protesters, stated, “The Waqf Act violates the Constitution. It targets minority Muslims and is a conspiracy to break the spirit of a united India. We condemn this Act and the government’s move to take over our ancestral properties. Waqf is the property of the Ummah.”
Rallies have been held not just in Bishnupur but also across Imphal East, with protesters forming human chains to demand the bill’s immediate repeal. The escalating tensions have prompted local authorities to ramp up security measures.
Violent protests occurred in the Muslim-majority areas of Lilong in Thoubal district, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and paramilitary forces. In response, the authorities have deployed significant security personnel, equipped with anti-riot gear, including tear gas, batons, and helmets, in anticipation of further unrest.
The Thoubal Superintendent of Police issued an order emphasising the preparedness of security forces, saying, “Security forces will be equipped with anti-riot equipment such as tear gas shells, batons, body protectors, and helmets to maintain order.”
Local officials are particularly concerned about the situation in Lilong, where a violent mob set fire to the residence of Askar Ali, the state president of the BJP Minority Morcha. Ali had supported the Waqf Amendment Act on social media, a stance which provoked anger from the local Muslim community. Following the attack, Ali publicly apologised for his support of the Act, condemning the legislation. This move has further fuelled the protests, with demonstrators expressing their anger over what they view as an infringement on their rights and traditions.
The unrest has led to significant disruption in the region, with authorities imposing a curfew in the Lilong assembly constituency following the violence.
In light of the violence and widespread discontent, security around key individuals, including local MLA Abdul Nasir’s residence, has been boosted. Despite these measures, protests continue to spread across the Imphal Valley, with many calling for greater transparency in the handling of Waqf properties and greater protection for the rights of minority groups.
As protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the calls for repeal or whether further unrest will unfold. The ongoing demonstrations are a clear sign of the strong opposition to the law, with many concerned that it could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of religious minorities in the country.
