Coastal Muslim leaders unite to oppose Waqf bill peacefully

Muslim Leaders from Coastal Karnataka, Goa unite in Bhatkal against new Waqf law

Bhatkal, April 16: (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  A major meeting was held at Rabita Hall in Bhatkal on Sunday under the banner of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, one of the oldest and largest Muslim organizations in Uttara Kannada district, to oppose the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act by the BJP-led central government. The gathering saw participation from Muslim leaders and representatives from across the coastal districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada, as well as delegates from neighbouring Goa.

The meeting raised serious concerns over the new law, terming it a threat to the autonomy of Waqf institutions and a move that could undermine the management and protection of Waqf properties. Leaders present described the law as discriminatory and warned that it could negatively affect the religious and charitable institutions maintained through Waqf in India.

In a major resolution passed during the meeting, the attendees announced that protest demonstrations will be held across Uttara Kannada district on Friday, April 18, immediately after Jumma prayers. Memorandums demanding the repeal of the new law will be submitted to the President and Prime Minister of India through local administrative officers. The gathering also emphasized the need for a large-scale public awareness campaign to educate the community about the implications of the amended law.

Drawing parallels with previous mass agitations such as those against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), speakers highlighted the need to build broad-based coalitions, including secular-minded non-Muslims, to resist what they described as anti-minority policies.

The event began with an introductory speech by Maulana Ilyas Jakati Nadvi, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), who briefed attendees on the Board’s countrywide opposition to the law. Senior High Court lawyer M.K. Maitri gave a detailed presentation on the legal implications of the Waqf Amendment and warned that the changes could have long-term consequences on community rights.

The meeting was presided over by Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem. Key speakers and guests included Atiqur Rahman Muniri (Vice President of Tanzeem and General Secretary of Rabita Society), Abdul Raqeeb M.J. Nadvi (General Secretary of Tanzeem), former Mangaluru Mayor and Congress leader Ashraf Beary, former MLA Mohiuddin Bava, and leaders from several other Muslim organizations such as Udupi Muslim Okkoota, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and SDPI.

Religious leaders including Maulana Khwaja Akrami Madani, Maulana Ansar Khateeb Madani, Maulana Abdul Aleem Qasmi, and Mufti Sulaiman Rahmatullah Khan Mazhari Nadvi were also present. The meeting saw active participation from lawyers, scholars, political workers, and social activists from towns across coastal Karnataka including Karwar, Kumta, Honnavar, Ankola, Siddapur, Haliyal, Sirsi, Murdeshwar, Manki, Mundgod, Banavasi, and from Goa.

Participants appreciated the initiative taken by Tanzeem to bring together representatives from across the region on a single platform and expressed their support for further coordinated efforts. The idea of forming a Coastal Belt Muslim Coordination Committee was also put forward to continue the fight in a united and structured manner.

The organizers and speakers reiterated that the protests would remain peaceful and within legal and democratic frameworks. They appealed to the Muslim community to stay united, informed, and vigilant in defending their constitutional and religious rights.