Religious Rights vs. Reform: As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 passes in Parliament, Meitei-Pangal Muslims in Manipur rise in protest, fearing the erosion of religious autonomy. The state now grapples with unrest, political backlash, and a deepening trust deficit.
By PC Bureau
April 7, 2025 — Tensions flared in Manipur after unidentified miscreants set fire to the residence of Mohammad Asker Ali, President of the BJP Minority Morcha in the state. The arson occurred mere hours after Ali publicly endorsed the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025—an act that triggered outrage among sections of the Meitei-Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) community.
The incident, which has not yet led to any arrests, underscores the growing unrest among Manipuri Muslims following the passage of the Waqf Bill in Parliament. On April 6, thousands of demonstrators from the Meitei-Pangal community poured onto the streets across Muslim-majority areas such as Lilong (Thoubal), Sora (Kakching), and Keirao Makting (Imphal East), voicing fierce opposition to the legislation they say threatens their religious autonomy and constitutional rights.
From Support to Retraction: A Political Leader in Crisis
Ali, a prominent political figure from Lilong constituency, had earlier expressed support for the bill in a social media post. However, faced with severe backlash from his community, he issued a public apology in a video posted to Facebook.
Speaking in Manipuri, he said:
“My name is Asker Ali from Lilong Haoreibi Sambrukhong. I had posted videos and shared my comments on the Waqf Amendment Bill. I feel so sorry for what I have said. Next time I will not do it. I am clarifying that I don’t support the Waqf Amendment Bill, and it should be repealed.”
The retraction, seen as a direct response to pressure from within his community, came too late to prevent violent retaliation.
Breaking:
An angry mob of Lilong set fire to the house of @BJPManipur Minority Morcha President, Mr. Askar Ali Mkm for insulting fellow community & supporting the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. @rashtrapatibhvn @INCIndia @INCMinority @INCAdivasi @the_hindu… pic.twitter.com/PINixnXGma
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) April 6, 2025
Protests Across Manipur
The most intense demonstrations occurred in Lilong, where over 5,000 people blocked National Highway 102, demanding the repeal of the bill. Organized by groups like the Islamic Students’ Association and local civil society bodies, the protestors carried placards in English and Bengali reading: “Revoke Waqf Bill 2025” and “Owner of Waqf is Allah, Custodian is the Muslim Community.”
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Protests also broke out in Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kiyamgei Muslim, and Irong Chesaba. In the latter, a minor scuffle erupted between protestors and police forces, though no serious injuries were reported. Authorities have since deployed paramilitary personnel across Muslim-dominated regions to prevent further escalation.
Many within the community view this security deployment not as a measure for peace, but as an attempt to stifle their democratic right to protest.
Religious Autonomy at Stake
Prominent religious leader Mufti Ziur Rahman described the bill as “unacceptable,” arguing it compromises the religious freedom of Muslims and undermines centuries-old Waqf traditions.
“This is an attack on our constitutional rights,” he said. “Waqf properties are sacred. They belong to the community and must be protected.”
Women, too, were active in the protests. One demonstrator in Lilong declared, “They are trying to take away our properties and places of worship. We will fight till our last breath.”
National Fallout and Political Reactions
The Manipur protests are part of a larger, nationwide movement against the bill. Demonstrations have erupted in cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, and legal challenges have been filed in the Supreme Court by opposition leaders including AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Mohammed Jawed.
In Manipur, the issue is especially sensitive given the fragile socio-political landscape marked by ongoing ethnic tensions. Despite former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh praising the bill as a step toward modernization, his remarks have failed to calm the aggrieved Meitei-Pangal community.
Leaders across party lines have called for empathy and dialogue. Trinamool Congress MLA Javed Ahmed Khan reminded the public of Muslims’ contributions to India’s freedom struggle, stating, “We shed the most blood. We won’t let our legacy be erased.”
The Meitei-Pangal organizations have vowed to continue peaceful protests. Many have urged the government to engage with community leaders to revise or repeal the bill.
“This is about our identity, our faith, and our future,” said one protestor. “We cannot and will not be silenced.”
The days ahead will test both the resilience of the Meitei-Pangal community and the government’s willingness to listen.
What the Bill Proposes
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025—recently passed by both houses of Parliament—seeks to overhaul the management of Waqf properties, which are Islamic endowments for religious or charitable use. Now renamed the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill, it introduces sweeping reforms such as:
- Reducing mandatory contributions to Waqf boards,
- Mandating state-appointed auditors for larger institutions,
- Allowing non-Muslims to be appointed to Waqf boards and councils.
While the BJP-led central government has argued that the bill will enhance transparency and channel resources toward education, healthcare, and employment for Muslims, critics believe it dilutes community control and opens doors to political interference.
