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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Nightclub roof collapse in Dominican capital leaves at least 79 dead and 160 injured
Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) (AP): The roof of an iconic nightclub in the Dominican capital collapsed early Tuesday during a merengue concert attended by politicians, athletes and others, leaving at least 79 people dead and 160 injured, authorities said.
Crews were searching for potential survivors in the rubble at the one-story Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.
“We continue clearing debris and searching for people,” he said on Tuesday night. “We're going to search tirelessly for people.”
Nearly 12 hours after the top of the nightclub collapsed onto patrons, rescue crews were still pulling out survivors from under the debris. Firefighters removed blocks of broken concrete and used sawed pieces of wood as planks to lift heavy debris as the noise of drills breaking through concrete filled the air.
The confirmed death toll had reached 66, Méndez said late Tuesday afternoon. Earlier, officials had said there were at least 160 people injured.
Méndez said rescue crews were prioritizing three areas in the club: “We're hearing some sounds.”
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz, was among the victims. She had called President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m., saying she was trapped and that the roof had collapsed, first lady Raquel Abraje told reporters. Officials said Cruz died later at the hospital.
“This is too great a tragedy,” Abraje said, her voice breaking.
The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic posted on X that MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, also died. Officials had pulled Dotel from the debris earlier and brought him to a hospital. Also killed was Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, said league spokesman Satosky Terrero.
Among the injured was national lawmaker Bray Vargas.
Relatives of merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed, initially said that he had been rescued, but Méndez said later Tuesday that wasn't true. He said rescue crews were still looking for Pérez.
Pérez's manager, Enrique Paulino, whose shirt was spattered with blood, told reporters at the scene that the concert began shortly before midnight, with the roof collapsing almost an hour later, killing the group's saxophonist.
“It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” he said, adding that he initially thought it was an earthquake.
It wasn't immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse or when the Jet Set building was last inspected.
The club issued a statement saying it was cooperating with authorities and noted that the owner, Antonio Espaillat, was out of the country and returned late Tuesday.
“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone,” he said.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Works referred questions to the mayor's office. A spokesperson for the mayor's office did not respond to a message for comment.
Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos told TV station CDN that while “everyone wants to know” what happened, authorities were still focused on finding survivors. They set up a makeshift morgue near the club while more than 120 people lined up to donate blood at two different centers.
Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert but did not return home, was among those anxiously waiting outside the club known for its traditional Monday parties where renowned national and international artists perform.
“We're holding on only to God,” Olivo said.
Also awaiting word was Massiel Cuevas, godmother of 22-year-old Darlenys Batista.
“I'm waiting for her. She's in there, I know she's in there,” Cuevas said, firm in her belief that Batista would be pulled out alive.
President Abinader wrote on X that all rescue agencies are “working tirelessly” to help those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” he wrote.
Abinader arrived at the scene and hugged those looking for friends and family, some with tears streaming down their faces. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” he told reporters.
An official with a megaphone stood outside the club imploring the large crowd that had gathered to search for friends and relatives to give ambulances space.
“You have to cooperate with authorities, please,” he said. “We are removing people.”
At one hospital where the injured were taken, an official stood outside reading aloud the names of survivors as a crowd gathered around her and yelled out the names of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, dozens of people gathered at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, which shared pictures of the victims so their loved ones could identify them.
