Patna: The recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act has ignited widespread anger among sections of the Muslim community in Bihar, leading to a major protest in Bhabhua, the district headquarters of Kaimur. The protest was directed against Bihar’s Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Zama Khan, who hails from the same district.
On Tuesday, members of the Muslim community organised a protest march in Bhabhua, voicing their strong opposition to the Waqf Bill, which they allege undermines the autonomy of Waqf properties and weakens the role of the community in managing them. The protest took a dramatic turn when Minister Zama Khan’s convoy arrived near the rally site.
In an apparent attempt to avoid direct confrontation, the Minister’s vehicle reportedly deviated from the regular route. However, the protesters quickly recognised the convoy and surrounded it, raising slogans of “Zama Khan Murdabad” and accusing the Minister of abandoning minority interests.
Security forces were swiftly deployed to the area to manage the situation. The Minister was escorted away safely amid high-pitched sloganeering and mounting tension on the ground.
Mohammad Hanif Khan, the District President of AIMIM, addressed the protesters and voiced their primary concern. “The Waqf Bill has just been implemented, and we are completely against it. Zama Khan has failed to defend our rights. If he cannot represent us, what purpose does his ministry serve?” Khan asked.
Protesters claim the legislation centralises control and strips the community of its traditional rights over Waqf properties.
Since the bill was passed in both Houses of Parliament, at least 20 Muslim leaders affiliated with the Janata Dal (United) have resigned, citing betrayal of the community’s trust.
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Ludhiana (PTI): A 50-year-old woman, who was grievously injured during a Pakistani aerial intrusion in Punjab's Feorzepur last week died at a private hospital here on Tuesday while two of her family were still undergoing treatment, officials said.
The woman, Sukhwinder Kaur, and her family members received serious burn injuries last Friday when some debris fell on their house in the Khai Pheme Ke village, setting the structure and a car on fire during the Pakistani aerial intrusion.
Lakhwinder Singh (55), his wife Sukhwinder Kaur and their son Monu Singh (24) had sustained injuries. Earlier, officials said that Monu Singh was the brother of Lakhwinder.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a Rs 5 lakh ex gratia from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the family of Sukhwinder Kaur. He expressed deep sorrow over Kaur's death.
"Our government stands firmly with her family during this time of immense pain, and we are committed to providing all possible support to help them cope with this devastating loss," he said.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora also extended financial assistance, announcing Rs 2 lakh for Kaur's family.
Multiple aerial attacks were carried out by Pakistan at many places along western India's borders, including in Punjab, that were effectively thwarted by the Indian security forces.
New Delhi and Islamabad reached an understanding on Saturday afternoon to halt military actions with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.