Bhatkal: Muslims in Bhatkal strongly protested against the Waqf Amendment Bill, declaring full support for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). On the last Friday of Ramadan, worshippers in Bhatkal and surrounding areas attended Juma prayers wearing black armbands, marking their strong opposition to the controversial bill.
Speaking outside the Nawayath Colony Tanzeem Jamia Masjid, Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandri stated that the AIMPLB had issued a call for silent protest with black armbands on Thursday night. Despite the short notice, the message was swiftly conveyed to the public, and a large number of Muslims actively participated by wearing black armbands during Juma prayers. He condemned the bill, calling it an open attack on the rights of Muslims, and vowed that it would not be accepted under any circumstances. He further announced that Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem is planning to organize a massive protest rally in Bhatkal soon to intensify the opposition against the bill.
Inayatullah Shabandri also praised the Karnataka Congress government for passing a resolution rejecting the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the state assembly. He emphasized that this move brings hope to Muslims and urged other states to take similar action against the bill.
Atiqur Rahman Muniri, Vice President of Tanzeem, Secretary General of the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council, and executive member of AIMPLB, also addressed the gathering. He stated that Waqf properties are sacred trusts donated in the name of Allah, and the government has no right to interfere or establish control over them. He firmly declared that Muslims across the country reject this bill and will not allow it to be passed under any circumstances.
Tanzeem General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ Nadvi expressed gratitude to the people of Bhatkal and surrounding areas for participating in the protest and standing against the Waqf Amendment Bill. He reaffirmed full support for the AIMPLB and stressed that Muslims will continue their nationwide movement against the bill, ensuring that every possible effort is made to have it withdrawn.
It is noteworthy that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is leading nationwide protests against the Waqf Amendment Bill. Recently, a massive demonstration was held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, followed by a large-scale protest in Patna, Bihar. The AIMPLB has now declared that if the government does not withdraw the bill, it will mobilize secular groups and justice-seeking citizens across the country to intensify the protests. The board has vowed that this bill will not be allowed to pass under any circumstances.
