AIMPLB condemns UCC in Uttarakhand, Waqf Amendment Bill; calls for nationwide protest

New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and various Muslim religious and community organisations have strongly opposed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, terming it deeply unfortunate, undemocratic, and an attack on constitutional rights. They have also condemned the actions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf, accusing it of violating democratic principles and overstepping its authority in recommending the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.

Muslim leaders have criticised the JPC for disregarding the voices of millions, rejecting opposition members' proposals, and acting in a manner that undermines the constitutional rights of minorities. They asserted that the UCC law in Uttarakhand is not only unconstitutional but also a direct assault on fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens, including the right to practice religion freely. They emphasized that Muslim personal law, governed by the Shariat Application Act of 1937, is an integral part of Islam and enjoys constitutional protection. They further pointed out that no individual state has the authority to implement a Uniform Civil Code.

The AIMPLB, in its meeting in Bengaluru, had already resolved to challenge this law in court. Leaders from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Dalit, and Adivasi communities had also declared in a joint press conference last July that they would never accept the UCC under any circumstances. Urging Muslims and other affected citizens in Uttarakhand to remain steadfast, the AIMPLB has assured that they will oppose the implementation of this law at every level within the democratic and constitutional framework.

The statement also addressed concerns regarding Waqf properties, with Muslim organisations reaffirming their commitment to protecting these assets from manipulation and unlawful seizure. They strongly rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, accusing the JPC of displaying blatant disregard for parliamentary procedures and democratic traditions. According to the AIMPLB, despite written and verbal representations from the Muslim community, as well as 36.6 million emails sent in opposition to the Bill, the JPC proceeded without considering these objections.

At the Bengaluru meeting, various Muslim organisations unanimously resolved not to allow any attempts to take control of or destroy their places of worship and Waqf properties. The statement warned the government against testing the patience of the Muslim community and leading the country towards authoritarianism. It described the attempt to seize minority properties as outright oppression and called on secular and justice-loving citizens to oppose it.

Expressing disappointment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies for failing to resist what they termed the BJP’s communal agenda, the AIMPLB called on secular opposition parties to unite and resist the Bill in Parliament. It demanded that the government withdraw the proposed amendments and retain the previous Waqf laws. The statement further warned that if the government failed to do so, Muslims would be left with no choice but to take to the streets in protest.

The AIMPLB and Muslim organisations reiterated their commitment to using all constitutional and democratic means, including a nationwide agitation, to oppose the Bill. They declared their willingness to go to jail if necessary to protect Waqf properties, asserting that they would not allow any force to undermine their rights.

The statement was issued by leading figures of the AIMPLB, including President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Vice Presidents Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salfi, Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, and Jb. Syed Sadatullah Husaini. Other key signatories included General Secretary Maulana Mohd. Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, Executive Committee members Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madni and Jb. Yusuf Hatim Muchhala, along with spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas. The statement was officially released by AIMPLB Office Secretary Dr. Mohd. Vaquar Uddin Latifi.

(Source: Varthabharati)