Manipur: Muslims Protest in Imphal Against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
The rally was organized by local community groups and remained peaceful, with no reported incidents of violence.
IMPHAL- A protest took place in Imphal East, by Muslim community opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The demonstration was part of a series of agitations in the state following the passage of the controversial legislation, reflecting widespread discontent among Manipur’s Muslim population.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed by the Indian Parliament in early April and assented to by the President on April 5, introduces reforms to the administration of Waqf properties.
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Key changes include provisions for non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards, enhanced government oversight, and revised mechanisms for resolving disputes over Waqf assets.
Critics argue that these amendments undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions and infringe on the religious rights of Muslims.
In Manipur, where Muslims make up about 8.4% of the population, the Meitei-Pangal community has strongly opposed the Act, viewing it as a threat to their religious and cultural heritage.
The protest occurred in Imphal East, shortly after Friday prayers. Hundreds of community members gathered, chanting slogans and holding placards demanding the repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The rally was organized by local community groups and remained peaceful, with no reported incidents of violence. Security personnel were deployed in the area to ensure public safety and maintain order.
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Protesters expressed concerns that the Act would enable undue state interference in the management of Waqf properties, such as mosques, madrasas, and graveyards, which are dedicated to religious and charitable purposes. Community leaders vowed to continue their agitation until the central government addresses their demands.
Today’s protest follows earlier demonstrations across Manipur, including rallies in Thoubal, Bishnupur, and other districts between April 6 and 9. A related incident on April 6 in Lilong, Thoubal, saw a mob burn the home of a local BJP leader who supported the Act, leading to prohibitory orders in the area. These events underscore the intensity of opposition to the legislation in Manipur.
Nationally, the Waqf (Amendment) Act has sparked protests in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Srinagar, with opposition parties and Muslim organizations challenging its constitutional validity. The Supreme Court is set to hear related petitions on April 16, adding to the significance of today’s protest as part of a larger movement.
The April 11 protest in Imphal East, reflects the Meitei-Pangal community’s strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. While peaceful, the demonstration signals ongoing unrest and a demand for the Act’s repeal.
With Manipur remaining a sensitive region due to its socio-political complexities, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The upcoming Supreme Court hearing is likely to influence the trajectory of this issue, both in Manipur and nationwide.
