New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): Muslims in India are staging a peaceful protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill by wearing black armbands during Alvida Namaz on Friday.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) spokesperson Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas said that this form of protest is a democratic way to express dissent.

'This is a way to mark protest in a democracy. Today, you will see Muslims wearing black armbands come to offer namaz. This will send a clear message that the community is against this bill,' AIMPLB spokesperson Rasool IIyas told ANI.

By wearing black armbands, Muslims aim to convey their opposition to the bill and assert their voices in the democratic process.

Muslim leaders also joined the protest. In Hyderbad, AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is also part of the JPC on the Waqf bill, joined in the symbolic protest wearing a black armband as he offered prayers on Friday.

Similarly, in Lucknow, AIMPLB member Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, along with representatives of other Muslim organisations, wore black armbands.

'On the proposed Waqf amendment bill, AIMPLB and other muslim orgs had put forward their opinion to the (Joint Parliamentary) committee that the amendment is not agreed by us. Waqf is a muslim matter, and there should not be any changes to it so that waqf properties cannot be in the danger zone,' AIMPLB member Mahli told ANI.

The protest follows an earlier appeal by AIMPLB on March 27, urging Muslims to wear black armbands to mark Alvida Juma, the last Friday of Ramzan.

Sharing a letter on X, AIMPLB stated, 'The strong protests by Muslims at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Dharna Sthal in Patna have at least caused a stir among BJP's allied parties. Now, a massive protest is also scheduled to take place in Vijayawada on March 29, 2025.'

The AIMPLB expressed its concerns over the bill, describing it as a 'sinister conspiracy' that aims to deprive Muslims of their religious and charitable institutions.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the opposition for spreading misinformation about the BJP's stance on mosques and Waqf properties.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, CM Yogi Adityanath questioned the opposition's motives, asking how much land they intend to take over in the name of Waqf and what welfare initiatives they have undertaken using Waqf properties.

Adityanath alleged that Waqf properties have been misused for personal gain, with some properties being sold multiple times, leading to disputes.

'What will the BJP do by taking over the Masjids? I think they (the Opposition) are trying to mislead. In the name of Wafq, how much land will you take over? Secondly, have they done any welfare in the name of Waqf? You can't even name one. Look, they have misused that property for their personal selfishness. It has been sold at any cost. What is the situation today? They have sold one property to many people. Now there's a dispute because of it.' Yogi Adityanath said.

He emphasised that the BJP's goal is to free Waqf properties from encroachment and misuse and ensure their utilisation for the welfare of the community. The party has been pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, which are meant to serve the Muslim community.

BJP MP and chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Jagadambika Pal, criticised AIMPLB for its nationwide agitation, accusing the board of politicising the issue.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)