Photo Story: AIMPLB Holds Protest Against Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 at Jantar Mantar

The protest was attended by several Members of Parliament (MPs), including AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress’ Gaurav Gogoi, TMC’s Mohua Moitra and SP’s Dharmendra Yadav.

The protest also saw the participation of religious scholars such as Maulana Mahmood Madani of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Sadatullah Hussaini of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, noted Shia cleric Kalbe Jauwwad, among others.

The phrase “Stop betraying Muslims, roll back the Waqf Amendment Bill” conveys deep dissatisfaction, accusing the government of undermining the interests of the Muslim community through the proposed Bill. The term “roll back” is a call for the rejection or withdrawal of the Bill.

A significant number of women also participated in the protest, holding banners with messages such as “India Against the Waqf Amendment Bill” and “Stop Encroachment, Save Waqf Assets”.

An elderly man holding a banner that read, “Stop betraying Muslims, roll back the Waqf Amendment Bill.”

Men holding a placard that read, “Owner of Waqf is Allah, Custodian of Waqf is the Muslim Community”, participated in the protest to voice their opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill.

A young boy holding a banner that read, “Article 25 and Article 26 are for us” (referring to the Muslim community). Article 25 of the Indian Constitution ensures individuals the freedom to practice, profess and propagate any religion, though this is subject to limitations related to public order, morality and health. Meanwhile, Article 26 grants religious communities the right to manage their own religious affairs, including the establishment of institutions, management of properties and formulation of community rules.

The protest was held under tight security, with a heavy police presence at every corner of the area.