Coastal Muslim leaders convene in Bhatkal, call for protests against new Waqf law
Bhatkal, April 15: Leaders and representatives from Muslim organizations across Karnataka’s coastal districts and parts of Goa gathered at Rabita Hall in Bhatkal on Tuesday to express collective opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act passed by the central government. The meeting was organized by Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, a prominent community organization in Bhatkal, and brought together voices from Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and neighbouring regions.
Participants at the convention described the new law as a direct attack on the autonomy of Waqf institutions and accused the government of interfering in Muslim religious matters. They warned that the changes could weaken the management of properties meant for community welfare and religious purposes.
A resolution adopted at the meeting called for protest demonstrations to be held on Friday, April 18, across Uttara Kannada district after Friday prayers. Protesters will hand over memorandums addressed to the President and Prime Minister through local authorities. Community leaders also announced that an awareness campaign would be launched to educate people on how the new amendments could impact Waqf properties and institutions.
Speakers at the meeting emphasized the importance of unity within the community and urged collaboration with secular-minded individuals from other faiths, noting the success of past movements such as the anti-CAA protests.
Advocate M.K. Maitri, a senior lawyer from Bengaluru, presented an overview of the legal implications of the Waqf amendment, cautioning that it could give the government more control over Waqf institutions. Maulana Ilyas Jakati Nadvi, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), opened the session by explaining the Board’s stance and ongoing national campaign against the law.
The event was chaired by Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem. Several notable community leaders were present, including Atiqur Rahman Muniri of Rabita Society, Abdul Raqeeb MJ Nadvi of Tanzeem, and political figures like Ashraf Beary and former MLA Mohiuddin Bava. Delegates from Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar, Sirsi, Murdeshwar, Honnavar, and Goa were also in attendance.
The gathering appreciated Tanzeem’s efforts to bring leaders together and proposed setting up a regional coordination body to continue raising concerns over the Waqf law and other issues affecting the Muslim community.
The speakers reiterated that the protests would be peaceful and lawful and urged community members to participate in large numbers to ensure their voices are heard.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship: How to apply, when to apply; details here
Bengaluru: The Azim Premji Foundation has announced the Azim Premji Scholarship for the academic year 2025–26, aimed at supporting up to 2.5 lakh girls across 18 Indian states who are pursuing higher education after completing school. An official release from the foundation also stated that in the coming years the scholarship will be implemented across the country.
When to Apply:
According to a release from the foundation, the application process for the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025–26 will commence in September 2025. “Details of the program and any changes in the program design or coverage will be notified at the start of the application process,” the release added.
Where to Apply:
According to the release, the scholarship this year will be implemented across 18 states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Students residing in these states and enrolled in recognised higher education institutions will be eligible to apply.
How to Apply:
-
Girls who have completed their Class 10 and 12 education in government (public) schools and have secured admission in a bona fide higher education institution either a government-run college/university or select private institutions can apply for the scholarship.
-
Once the application portal opens in September, students will be required to submit personal details, educational qualifications, proof of admission, and bank account information.
-
The scholarship amount ₹30,000 per year will be transferred directly into the students' bank accounts in two instalments each academic year, read the release.
