AIMPLB condemns UCC in Uttarakhand, Waqf Amendment Bill; calls for nationwide protest
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and various Muslim religious and community organisations have strongly opposed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, terming it deeply unfortunate, undemocratic, and an attack on constitutional rights. They have also condemned the actions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf, accusing it of violating democratic principles and overstepping its authority in recommending the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
Muslim leaders have criticised the JPC for disregarding the voices of millions, rejecting opposition members' proposals, and acting in a manner that undermines the constitutional rights of minorities. They asserted that the UCC law in Uttarakhand is not only unconstitutional but also a direct assault on fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens, including the right to practice religion freely. They emphasized that Muslim personal law, governed by the Shariat Application Act of 1937, is an integral part of Islam and enjoys constitutional protection. They further pointed out that no individual state has the authority to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
The AIMPLB, in its meeting in Bengaluru, had already resolved to challenge this law in court. Leaders from Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Dalit, and Adivasi communities had also declared in a joint press conference last July that they would never accept the UCC under any circumstances. Urging Muslims and other affected citizens in Uttarakhand to remain steadfast, the AIMPLB has assured that they will oppose the implementation of this law at every level within the democratic and constitutional framework.
The statement also addressed concerns regarding Waqf properties, with Muslim organisations reaffirming their commitment to protecting these assets from manipulation and unlawful seizure. They strongly rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, accusing the JPC of displaying blatant disregard for parliamentary procedures and democratic traditions. According to the AIMPLB, despite written and verbal representations from the Muslim community, as well as 36.6 million emails sent in opposition to the Bill, the JPC proceeded without considering these objections.
At the Bengaluru meeting, various Muslim organisations unanimously resolved not to allow any attempts to take control of or destroy their places of worship and Waqf properties. The statement warned the government against testing the patience of the Muslim community and leading the country towards authoritarianism. It described the attempt to seize minority properties as outright oppression and called on secular and justice-loving citizens to oppose it.
Expressing disappointment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies for failing to resist what they termed the BJP’s communal agenda, the AIMPLB called on secular opposition parties to unite and resist the Bill in Parliament. It demanded that the government withdraw the proposed amendments and retain the previous Waqf laws. The statement further warned that if the government failed to do so, Muslims would be left with no choice but to take to the streets in protest.
The AIMPLB and Muslim organisations reiterated their commitment to using all constitutional and democratic means, including a nationwide agitation, to oppose the Bill. They declared their willingness to go to jail if necessary to protect Waqf properties, asserting that they would not allow any force to undermine their rights.
The statement was issued by leading figures of the AIMPLB, including President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Vice Presidents Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salfi, Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, and Jb. Syed Sadatullah Husaini. Other key signatories included General Secretary Maulana Mohd. Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, Executive Committee members Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madni and Jb. Yusuf Hatim Muchhala, along with spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas. The statement was officially released by AIMPLB Office Secretary Dr. Mohd. Vaquar Uddin Latifi.
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Crowd management efforts ramped up at Maha Kumbh after stampede
Mahakumbh Nagar (PTI): A day after a stampede at the Maha Kumbh left 30 dead, the Uttar Pradesh government ramped up efforts to ensure crowd management and safety of devotees who continued to flock here in large numbers for the religious gathering.
The devotees braved the pre-dawn chill and dense fog to take a dip in the Sangam and at other ghats here on Thursday.
More than 55.11 lakh devotees had taken the holy dip till 8:00 am, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Anshuman Mishra told PTI that the area would remain a no-vehicle zone until the crowd disperses completely.
"Vehicle passes will not be valid until all devotees have safely left for their destinations. No outside vehicles would be allowed to enter the city until the crowd exits the Mela area," he said.
However, senior officials may grant permission for vehicle entry based on the situation, he said.
Mishra clarified that essential services such as police administration vehicles, ambulances and suction machines would be allowed entry as they are crucial for the smooth management of the Maha Kumbh.
Pilgrims, including women and children, were seen walking to and fro the various ghats amid reduced visibility. Many had thin blankets covering their bodies while some stopped by bonfires along the routes to keep themselves warm.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Director General of Police Prashant Kumar are scheduled to reach here later in the day for a detailed probe into the stampede.
The top officers would also conduct a thorough review of the arrangements in the Mela area, Chief Minister Adityanath said on Wednesday night.
"Every aspect related to security and public convenience must be carefully examined to ensure seamless arrangements for Basant Panchami (Feb 3 - Amrit Snan)," he said.
In a bid to further strengthen the arrangements, the Uttar Pradesh government will also be deploying two former senior officers on Mela duty -- Ashish Goyal, who served as divisional commissioner of Prayagraj for the 2019 Kumbh, and Bhanu Goswami, former vice chairman of the Agra Development Authority.
Additionally, five special secretary-level officers are being assigned to oversee operations. All of them will remain in Prayagraj till February 12 to assist in streamlining the arrangements, Adityanath said.
Besides 30 deaths, 60 people were injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday in the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh as millions of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.
Maha Kumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna said the incident took place due to crowd pressure. The crowd broke barricades and jumped to the other side, crushing those waiting there, he said.
On Wednesday, more than 7.64 crore devotees had a 'snan' at the Maha Kumbh, the highest in a single day so far. The footfall since the beginning of the mega event had crossed 27.58 crore by the end of Wednesday, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
The Maha Kumbh kicked off on January 13 and will continue till February 26.
