Manipur Tensions Escalate Over Waqf Act; Tight Security at JDU MLA Abdul Nasir’s Residence After Attack on BJP Leader
Lilong, Manipur – April 8, 2025
Tensions flared in Manipur’s Lilong constituency after a violent mob torched the house of BJP Minority Morcha President Asker Ali for supporting the controversial Waqf Amendment Act 2025. In the aftermath of the attack, security has been significantly tightened around the residence of JD(U) MLA Abdul Nasir, who also chairs the Waqf Board of Manipur.
Despite growing demands from the Pangal community, Nasir has yet to issue a public statement on the Act, drawing criticism and concern from constituents who expect clarity from their elected representative.
In response to the escalating situation, the District Magistrate of Thoubal imposed prohibitory orders across the Lilong Assembly Constituency. Police and security forces were swiftly mobilized to prevent further unrest.
Personnel from Lilong Police Station and CDO Thoubal have been deployed to key flashpoints, including Lilong Sambrukhong and Lilong Mairenkhun. Reinforcements have also arrived from Nungei Outpost and Chingkham Post. The existing security setup at Abdul Nasir’s residence — which included two police constables and eleven Village Defence Force (VDF) members — was strengthened with additional forces from both Lilong PS and CDO Thoubal.
Furthermore, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are on high alert, with two sections of B/66 CRPF stationed at Lilong Haoreibi College and two sections of C/66 CRPF at ITI Lilong. A full company from the D/99 Battalion Rapid Action Force (RAF) is also on standby to respond to any emergency.
Regular mobile patrols are now being conducted in sensitive areas under the leadership of the Officer-in-Charge of Lilong Police Station. Meanwhile, SDPO Thoubal is overseeing security operations in coordination with commanders from various posts.
In a contrasting stance, NPP MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan publicly rejected the Waqf Act in a video message released Monday and declared his intention to challenge it in the Supreme Court.
Manipur currently has three Muslim MLAs representing the constituencies of Lilong, Kshetrigao, and Jiribam, and the community is closely watching their leaders’ positions on the contentious legislation.