Manipur Erupts in Protest: Thousands Rally to Repeal WAQF Amendment Act, 2025

Imphal, April 6, 2025 —

Protests erupted across Manipur today as thousands of people from the Muslim community rallied against the controversial WAQF Amendment Act, 2025, which officially became law following the President’s assent. Demonstrations were held in multiple districts, with a unified demand to repeal what protestors are calling an “anti-Muslim” and “undemocratic” piece of legislation.

One of the largest rallies was organized by Pangal Tem (PT) Manipur, beginning from its headquarters at Irong Chesaba Eco Park. Thousands marched in defiance, chanting slogans such as “Withdraw WAQF Amendment Bill 2025,” “Down Down BJP Government,” and “Minorities Should Not Be Discriminated.” The President of Pangal Tem , Sayeed Alam, strongly condemned the Act, stating it undermines the spirit of democracy and directly targets Muslim interests. He urged the authorities to reject the legislation in its entirety, calling it a betrayal of constitutional values.

Former MLA of Wabagai Assembly constituency, Md. Fajur Rahim, joined the protest and expressed solidarity, emphasizing that the community would not remain silent in the face of such policies.

In Kakching district’s Sora Bazar, another massive protest rally took place, jointly organized by the Islamic Students Association (ISA), All Sora Clubs Coordinating Committee (ASCCOC), Anjuman Nasrul Islam (Ulama-e-Association), and MPCM Sora. Addressing the media, ASCCOC President M.L. Zulfiqar Alam Sheikh emphasized the religious and historical significance of WAQF. “These are endowments made by our ancestors in the name of Islam. They are not for any government to control,” he said. Participants carried placards reading “Protect Muslims’ Rights,” “Owner of WAQF is Allah,” “Custodian of WAQF is Muslim Community,” and “WAQF Bill is Unacceptable.”

Former Up-Adhyaksha Md. Nazimuddin, who also attended the rally, stated the community’s firm resolve to continue the protests until the law is repealed.

Similar scenes played out in Lilong, where two major protests were staged. The Lilong United Clubs (LUC) led a march from Lilong Bazar to Usoipokpi, condemning the Act as unconstitutional and against the rights of minorities. Convenor of LUC, Shazad Buyamayum, affirmed the community’s unwavering stance, saying, “As long as the people are alive and standing, they will protect WAQF properties.”

At the same time, the All Manipur Meitei-Pangal Clubs’ Organisation (AMMPACO) held a mass demonstration in front of Bari Jame Masjid Gate, with participants raising slogans like “Abrogate WAQF Amendment Act 2025.”

In Mayang Imphal, the All Mayang Imphal Muslim Youths Development Organisation (AMIMYDO) mobilized a huge turnout, marching from Mayang Imphal Bengoon Sharakpham Bazar to the organization’s base. Protestors expressed deep discontent with the government’s move and called for immediate withdrawal of the legislation.

Communities from Urup, Keirao, and Kiyamgei also staged a collective rally from Litan Makhong to Keirao Sabal, echoing the same demands with slogans like “Reject WAQF Bill.”

Meanwhile, a sit-in protest was held at ABA Ground in Kshetrigao, Imphal East, jointly organized by Jamiat Ulama-I-Kshetrigao, All Kshetrigao Apunba Muslim Praja, and AMMPACO. Participants gathered with placards that read “Assault on Muslim’s Property,” “Protect WAQF Properties,” and “We Reject WAQF Amendment Act 2025,” voicing their opposition in a peaceful yet resolute manner.
Hayatur Rahman Yumkhaibam, President of AMMPACO, stated, “This protest is aimed at opposing the WAQF Amendment Act and the provisions it contains. Every community has its own institutions, and the government’s move to include non-Muslims in the WAQF Board is deeply concerning. The Muslim community fears that such steps may not align with our religious values. If the government fails to take the necessary corrective measures, the public will be compelled to intensify the protests.”

Adding momentum to the resistance, people had already begun protesting from the previous day in Imphal. The demonstration was jointly organised by the Minorities Students Association (MSA) Manipur and the All Manipur Muslim Students Organisation (AMMSO) Manipur, in coordination with the Minuthong Hatta Golapati Athletic Union (MHGAU). The demonstration aimed to express the concerns of minority communities regarding the legislation, calling attention to the potential infringement on religious and community rights.

With the WAQF Amendment Act now law, tensions remain high. Since protests have been ongoing since yesterday and continue to intensify across districts, it appears increasingly likely that more waves of resistance and widespread demonstrations will follow in the coming days. Protestors across Manipur have made their stance clear: the legislation will not be accepted quietly, and the fight for minority rights will continue with renewed determination.