Authorities target Muslims in Muzaffarnagar for peaceful protest, raising questions over democratic rights
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — A peaceful protest against the controversial Waqf Bill in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has led to severe penalties for 24 Muslim individuals. Authorities have demanded that each one of them pay a fine of Rs 2 lakh, accusing them of participating in an illegal protest. The incident has sparked widespread outrage within the Muslim community, human rights organisations and political circles, highlighting growing concerns over the implications of the bill on Muslim institutions in the country.
The protest, which took place on March 28, followed the last Friday prayers of Ramadan, when Muslims across the town tied black bands around their arms as a symbolic protest against the Waqf Bill. The demonstration, which unfolded at various locations, was largely peaceful. It was meant to express the community’s concerns about the potential impact of the bill on Muslim-controlled properties, including mosques, educational institutions, and trusts.
However, the local administration viewed the protest as a form of unlawful dissent. Following the demonstration, a case was registered, and City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap issued notices against the participants, ordering them to pay a bond of Rs 2 lakh each. This legal action has taken many by surprise, particularly as the protest was non-violent and a peaceful exercise of free speech.
To identify the protesters, local authorities, under the direction of District SP Satyanarayan Prajapati, used CCTV footage from various parts of the town. Prajapati confirmed that the 24 individuals would have to appear in court, where they would be expected to pay the bond or face further legal action. “We are identifying the people involved with the help of CCTV footage,” Prajapati said on Saturday (April 5). “These 24 individuals will have to appear in court, and if they cannot pay the bond, further legal action will be taken.”
The Waqf Amendment Bill, passed by both houses of Parliament, has sparked considerable controversy, particularly among Muslim organisations and opposition leaders. The bill seeks to grant the government greater control over Waqf properties, which are religious endowments that manage Muslim land, mosques, and educational institutions. Critics argue that the bill undermines the autonomy of Muslim institutions, placing them under undue governmental influence, and may lead to the mismanagement or even appropriation of these properties. Muslim organisations have expressed strong discontent, warning the government that they will challenge the bill in court.
In response to the administration’s actions, the Muslim community in Muzaffarnagar and beyond has voiced strong opposition. Arif Khan, a community leader who took part in the protest, condemned the move. “This is an attack on our right to express our point,” Khan said. “We were simply protesting peacefully against a bill that we believe will harm our community and our institutions. And now, we are being treated like criminals.”
Faizal Ahmed, a local, echoed these sentiments. “It is deeply troubling that a simple, peaceful protest has led to such a harsh response,” Ahmed said. “We are being asked to pay such an exorbitant amount just for voicing our concerns. This is not just an issue of the Waqf Bill; it is a matter of the right to protest, the right to be heard.”
Imtiaz, a schoolteacher in the town, highlighted the broader implications of the government’s actions. “This is about more than just one bill. It’s about silencing those who speak out against policies that affect us. If we can’t express our views peacefully, then what kind of democracy are we living in?” Imtiaz said.
Religious leaders have also weighed in on the issue, with Maulana Asghar Ali, a respected local cleric, emphasising the importance of peaceful protest. “We are not against the government, but we want our voices to be heard,” Maulana Ali stated. “The Waqf Bill affects the rights of Muslims to manage their properties, and that is why we are protesting. It is unfortunate that instead of engaging with us on the bill, the government is resorting to such measures. We will continue to raise our voices until our concerns are addressed.”
Human rights activists have raised alarms over the punitive measures taken against the protesters. Zahid Khan, a member of the Human Rights Commission, condemned the local administration’s actions. “The response is completely disproportionate,” Khan said. “Peaceful protests are a fundamental right in any democracy, and to penalise people for exercising that right is a violation of their civil liberties.”
Opposition political leaders have also denounced the penalties. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, criticised the government: “The government is using its power to intimidate and silence the Muslim community. We will continue to support those who are fighting for their rights,” he tweeted
As the 24 accused Muslims prepare for their court appearance, the issue continues to attract national attention. The case has broader implications, not just for the Waqf Bill but for the future of protest and dissent. Critics argue that it is part of a wider pattern of targeting Muslim voices in Uttar Pradesh and across the country. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the rights of religious minorities and the future of democratic expression in the country.
Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent Muslim leader and Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad, voiced the concerns of many in the community: “We are not against the development of the country, but we will not allow our community to be treated as second-class citizens. The Waqf Bill is just one example of the larger agenda to undermine the rights of Muslims in India.”
The developments in Muzaffarnagar underscore the ongoing struggle for Muslim rights and representation in India, with the Waqf Bill remaining a focal point of national debate. The case is set to shape the future of democratic protest in the country and may influence the political climate regarding religious minorities moving forward.
