AIMPLB condemns Waqf amendment bill, calls for nationwide protest
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly condemned the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, calling it a "deplorable act of government" and a "black chapter for the largest democracy in the world."
Meanwhile in its announcement issued on Friday the Board has announced plans to initiate nationwide protests and legal action against the bill.
Mawlana Muhammad Fazlur Raheem Mujaddidi, General Secretary of AIMPLB, criticized the government for disregarding the concerns of the Muslim community, opposition parties, and civil society.
He accused the ruling party of promoting sectarian divisions and claimed that the bill, while projected as being pro-Muslim, is in reality "totally unacceptable" to the community. He further asserted that the government’s actions reflect an oppressive attitude that contradicts democratic principles.
In response, the AIMPLB has promised to launch a large-scale protest movement and pursue legal. It also stated that, “the process of consultation at a wide scale is on for both the protest and litigation. Its schedule would be announced in due course. While acting within the ambit of the constitution and law it would conduct peaceful, robust protest, God willing. “
“We appeal to all Muslims and justice-loving citizens to look forward to the announcement by the Board. When the call to protest is given, they should vigorously join it so that the government may realize its mistake and the door may open for its recall,” the board urged.
In addition, AIMPLB reiterated its firm opposition to the bill, calling it "pernicious in its contents" and demanding its immediate withdrawal. The Board expressed gratitude to opposition parties for their vocal resistance against the bill and urged them to continue supporting the cause.
However, it criticized leaders of BJP allies, including Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and Jayant Chaudhary, for siding with the ruling party. AIMPLB accused them of betraying the Muslim community and warned that such actions would have lasting consequences.
“The conduct of the allies of BJP and their leaders, particularly Nitish Kumar, Chandra Babu Naidu, ChiraghPasawan and Jayant Chaudhary has been reprehensible. Muslims have always supported them in view of their secular image. However, they have betrayed Muslims, which would be never forgiven. They would have to face its brunt. The Muslims who are associated with these parties should reconsider their status. What would be their place after this betrayal? Which course should they follow as Muslims? It is deplorable to prefer own political interests to the cause affecting the entire Muslim community,” the statement read.
Dr. M Vaquar Uddin Latifi, Office Secretary of AIMPLB, emphasized that the Board would not succumb to any pressure, threats, or political maneuvering. He assured that AIMPLB would remain steadfast in its demands and, if necessary, make sacrifices to protect the rights and interests of the Muslim community.
While, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after an intense debate lasting nearly 14 hours with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, in the Lok Sabha it was passed after nearly 12 hours of debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against on Thursday. The bill now awaits for the President’s assent.
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India describes attack on Fujairah 'unacceptable'
New Delhi (PTI): India on Tuesday described the wounding of three Indians in an attack on the United Arab Emirates' port city of Fujairah as "unacceptable" and pressed for an immediate cessation of hostilities targeting innocent civilians.
New Delhi's reaction came a day after the Indians were injured after a drone attack caused a fire at a major oil industry zone in Fujairah. The UAE had accused Iran of carrying out the strike.
"The attack on Fujairah that resulted in injury to three Indian nationals is unacceptable," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians," the spokesperson said.
Jaiswal said India continued to stand for dialogue and diplomacy to deal with the situation so that peace and stability could be restored across West Asia.
"We also call for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law. India stands ready to support all efforts for a peaceful resolution of issues," he said.
The attack on Fujairah city came as the ceasefire between the US and Iran came under strain in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas pass, remains a major sticking point in the talks. Shipping through the narrow Gulf waterway has been severely disrupted by the conflict, triggering a sharp increase in oil prices and energy shortages in several countries.
The UAE's defence ministry on Monday said its air defence systems engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones launched from Iran.
The ministry affirmed that it "remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country."
