Protest in Dharwad against Waqf amendment

Massive protest rally in Dharwad against Waqf Bill, Muslim leaders warn of potential harm to communal harmony.

A massive protest rally was taken out in Dharwad on Friday under the aegis of Anjuman-e-Islam Society, with hundreds of Muslims taking part in it opposing the approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

In the protest march taken out from the Anjuman-e-Islam premises to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad, the protestors displayed placards having slogans opposing Waqf bill and slogans like “Waqf is Allah’s Property”.

Majority of the protestors who marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office wore black armbands to register their protest against the Waqf bill, which has already got the assent of both the houses of Parliament.

The protestors staged a demonstration before the Deputy Commissioner’s office and demanded that the amended Act be repealed. Amid showers the protestors continued their protest for some time.

Addressing the protestors, Muslim leaders alleged that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill contained provisions that undermined the autonomy of Waqf institutions. They claimed that the amendments were against the rights granted under Articles 25 to 30 of the Constitution and warned that the implementation of the amendment could potentially harm communal harmony.

Anjuman president Mohammad Ismail Tamatagar, vice-president Basheer Ahmad Jahagirdar, secretary S.S. Sargiro, joint secretary Mohammad Shafi Kallimani and others led the protest. Later, a memorandum was submitted to the district authorities.

Meanwhile, another protest on the same issue was held. Members of Youth Congress staged a protest at Court Circle in Dharwad condemning the amended law and demanding that it should be repealed.