Bhatkal: Tanzeem to hold public protest on April 18 against Waqf Law; Memorandum to be submitted to Govt

Bhatkal, April 17: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, Bhatkal’s leading socio-religious organisation, has announced a large-scale protest to be held on Friday, April 18, following Jumma prayers, in opposition to the recently introduced Waqf (Amendment) Bill by the central government. The protest will culminate in the submission of a memorandum addressed to the President and Prime Minister of India.

Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandari told reporters that the protest is being organised to voice strong opposition against what he described as an “anti-Muslim” and “black law” that threatens the religious and community assets of the Muslim community. He clarified that the protest is not directed against any particular religion or caste but is a democratic expression of concern over a law that affects the Waqf system and the autonomy of Muslim institutions.

He emphasised that raising voices against the law is not only a religious responsibility but also a social and national obligation. Shabandari appealed to citizens, including non-Muslims, to support the protest in the interest of communal harmony and national unity.

He urged participants to head directly to the Mini Vidhana Soudha in Bhatkal after Friday prayers, where a memorandum will be submitted to the Tehsildar on behalf of the community.

Shabandari also mentioned that a key meeting was held on Tuesday at Rabita Hall in Bhatkal, where Muslim leaders from Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Goa were present. It was unanimously decided during the meeting that all Muslim-run businesses across the taluks of Uttara Kannada district would voluntarily shut down on Friday as a mark of protest.

Tanzeem has also encouraged other towns in the district to hold similar demonstrations and submit memorandums through their respective Tehsildars or Assistant Commissioners.

In Bhatkal, the protest will be held under the banner of Tanzeem, with Maulana Ilyas Jakati Nadvi, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, expected to address the gathering before the memorandum is handed over.