“Repeal the Act!”: Manipur Muslims Lead Massive Statewide Protest Against WAQF Amendment Act 2025

Imphal, April 8: Building on days of sustained demonstrations, a powerful wave of protests swept across Manipur today as thousands from the Muslim community united in a statewide movement against the recently passed WAQF Amendment Act 2025. Demonstrators denounced the Act as unconstitutional and a direct infringement on religious freedom and minority rights.

A major rally at Mayang Imphal, Imphal West was led by the All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation (AMMSO-GHQ) and Minority Students’ Association. Protesters expressed discontent over how the bill was passed in both Houses of Parliament and received Presidential assent. AMMSO stated that the Act infringes on constitutional values, particularly Article 14, and undermines the autonomy of religious institutions. They asserted that including non-Muslims in a religious body like the WAQF Board is unreasonable and interferes with the personal and religious lives of Muslims. AMMSO declared their commitment to continue peaceful demonstrations until the government repeals the Act, while urging students, civil bodies, and the public to stand united in protest.

Ijuj Ahmed, President of the Minority Students’ Association, stated, “The central government’s actions under the banner of ‘One Nation, One Religion’ and its attempt to infringe upon lands donated by our forefathers are deeply condemnable. Until and unless the WAQF Amendment Act is repealed, we will continue our protests and agitations.”

He further added, “All political parties, including those with anti-Muslim stances, must make their positions clear to the Pangals of Manipur. Since Manipur is under President’s Rule and governed by the Governor, the silence of both the Governor and the state’s MPs indicates their support for the Act. If they continue to remain silent, people will launch various forms of protest. We are not afraid to lay down our lives for this cause.”

Manoj Khan, Vice President of AMMSO, stated, “AMMSO and MSA have been continuously organizing protests against the WAQF Amendment Act. We will persist in our movement without fear—even if it means risking our lives—for the sake of the people. I urge all civil society organizations, clubs, and associations to support this protest and stand united against the Act.”

In Yairipok Phouden, Wangkhem, and Singa, more than 5,000 people joined a rally organised by Jamiatul Ulama Maqami, supported by various clubs and local organisations. Protesters held placards and shouted slogans such as “Repeal WAQF Amendment Act 2025”, “Down Down BJP”, and “Don’t Look Down on Minorities.”

Mufti Nasimmudin, an advisor from the Jamiat, said, “The recently passed WAQF Amendment Act is unconstitutional and against the law. This type of Act should be repealed, and the protests will continue until that happens. If the situation calls for it, then we will gladly give up our lives for it.”

Kwakta also witnessed a massive protest rally against the WAQF Amendment Act 2025, with around 20,000 people taking to the streets. The rally, jointly organised by AKYVO, AMPYA, AKCOC, ANJUMAN (AIM Kwakta), and Jamiatul Ulama Bishnupur, began and concluded at Kwakta Public Ground after passing through all routes of the village.

Md Nasir Khan, Advisor of AMPYA, stated, “We strongly oppose this Act. It should not be implemented in a democratic country like India, which upholds religious diversity and rights.” He further remarked, “The government’s attempt to seize control of WAQF properties—donated by our ancestors for religious and community welfare—is unacceptable. We also object to the inclusion of non-Muslims in the WAQF Board, as it undermines its objectives.”

He also expressed appreciation for Kshetrigao AC’s MLA for taking the case against the bill to the Supreme Court, and urged all Muslim representatives—MLAs and MPs—to follow suit by filing cases in the Supreme Court of India.

In Borayangbi (Kumbi Assembly Constituency), 2,000 protesters took part in a peaceful demonstration jointly organised by Maqami Jamaitul Ulama Borayangbi, local clubs, Meira Paibis, and CSOs. Participants gathered for prayers and dua after the rally.

Sayed Ali Aribam, a participant, said, “It seems that the central government doesn’t know the value of democracy and is working against it. The government is violating constitutional values and the rights of the people. This Act goes against Article 14, the right to equality; Article 25, the right to freedom of religion; Article 26, freedom to manage religious affairs; Article 29, cultural rights; and Article 300, the right to property.”

In Kshetrigao, around 1,000 people marched from Pangong Makhong to nearby areas. Maulavi Wakil Ahmed warned that the Act would further infringe upon Muslim rights. He also lauded Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan’s decision to challenge the Act in the Supreme Court, saying, “We appreciate that the MLA is acting according to the people’s wishes. Everyone should support his move.”

Thoubal Moijing saw a significant rally led by Ittihad-Ul-Ulama Thoubal Moijing under the theme “Academic Discourse on the Controversial WAQF Amendment Act 2025.” Starting from Thoubal Moijing Edigah, protesters marched around the area shouting slogans like “Owner of WAQF is Allah, Custodian is the Muslim Community.”

MM Abdur Rajaque, President of Educational Guide Centre Thoubal Moijing, said, “The WAQF Act is not only against the Muslim community but also harms other communities. The Act must be repealed at the soonest. The Supreme Court should take action. The people will stand firm in resistance—even if it means giving up their lives.”

In Khomidok Bazar, a human chain protest was held by organisations like ISHLAHE UMMAT Kairang-Khomidok, Khomidok Athletic Sporting Club, The Paradise United Mentor Association, and United Committee Kairang-Khabeisoi.

FM Manwar, President of the United Committee Kairang, said, “Passing this bill is a gross infringement on secularism and the democratic rights of Muslim minorities. Hindus and Christians have their own religious trusts with scholars from their communities. The government’s action against Muslims is deeply condemnable. The WAQF Board has existed for ages, and now they are letting unrelated people interfere with it. India is supposed to be a secular democracy, but this government focuses solely on Muslim affairs. These actions must stop. Even if civil war arises, Muslims will continue peaceful protests and won’t hesitate to give their lives.”

Tayebur Rahman also called for the unconditional release of those arrested during the Lilong protest, stating, “The government must immediately and unconditionally release all those who were arrested during the protest in Lilong.”

Meanwhile, in Oinam Wangoi, a spontaneous march took place without formal coordination. Protesters walked from Oinam Lamkhai Lampak along the riverside and returned for a collective dua. About 1,200 people participated, shouting “Down Down BJP Government” and “Repeal the WAQF Amendment Act.”

In Sangaiyumpham, Thoubal District, the group Anjuman Sangaiyumpham, supported by local clubs and associations, led a mass protest rally with thousands of participants. Demonstrators carried placards and voiced their dissatisfaction against what they called an unconstitutional and discriminatory Act.

The protests reflect growing dissatisfaction across Manipur, with more demonstrations likely in the coming days as calls to repeal the Act intensify.