AIMPLB calls for black-band protest against Waqf Amendment Bill on Jumatul Vida

A black-band silent protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill, called for by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), will be observed on Friday, which corresponds to Jumatul Vida, the last Friday of Ramzan.

The move comes soon after the AIMPLB, a body comprising influential Muslim clerics, scholars, and professionals, called for protests in Patna, Bihar, and Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. A demonstration was also held at Jantar Mantar, where AIMPLB office-bearers and members, including Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi, participated and minced no words in their opposition to the bill.

Speaking to The Hindu, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, who is the president of AIMPLB, said, “We have requested members of the Muslim community to wear a black band on their right arm while peacefully going to the masjid on Friday. This, of course, is a mark of protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill and follows calls for demonstrations in Patna and Vijayawada.”

Maulana Rahmani clarified for the time being that no protests are planned in Hyderabad or other parts of Telangana. However, if the bill is passed, calls for larger protests, within constitutional limits, across the country, including in Hyderabad, will be made, he said.

“If the bill is passed, then we will decide on holding larger demonstrations across the country. At the moment, no protest in Hyderabad has been called for, given that the Congress’ stand on the bill is clear,” Maulana Rahmani said.

Another source from the board stated that calls for protests in Patna and Vijayawada were intended to put pressure on the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar and the Chandrababu Naidu-led government in Andhra Pradesh (AP). Both the Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party are partners in the National Democratic Alliance government.

The Waqf Amendment Bill has been described by politicians and activists as a means to “take over” waqf land parcels and institutions. Instead of providing protection to waqf properties, the bill weakens the very concept of waqf, they maintained. Political parties and activists have pointed out that a key disagreement with the bill is the removal of the waqf-by-user provision, Waqf Tribunals, and the empowerment of the district Collector as the arbiter of waqf matters.