UMPC Strongly Opposes Waqf Amendment Bill 2025; Condemns Silence and Complicity of Pangal Representatives
Imphal, April 7, 2025:
The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur has issued a scathing statement rejecting the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, terming it unconstitutional, anti-Muslim, anti-Waqf, and a direct assault on the religious rights of the Muslim community in India. The UMPC accused the ruling BJP government of attempting to seize Waqf properties and marginalize Muslim institutions.
The press note issued by General Secretary Raees Ahamed Tampak outlines key objections to the bill, including:
1. Unconstitutional and Anti-Waqf Provisions: The amendment allows the central government to dissolve state Waqf boards and establish a single national board, stripping away local autonomy and violating minority rights under Articles 25, 26, 29, and 30 of the Constitution.
2. Backdoor Centralization: The bill facilitates the centralization of Waqf administration and paves the way for mass acquisition of Waqf properties, posing a severe threat to the socio-religious rights of Muslims.
3. Political Complicity: UMPC harshly criticized Pangal MLAs, particularly Nasir of JD(U), for their silence despite JD(U)’s support of the bill in Lok Sabha. In contrast, they lauded NPP MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan for openly opposing the amendment.
4. Appeal to the Public: UMPC urged all Pangal MLAs and MPs to openly reject the bill and join the protest against this “draconian law.” It warned that failure to do so would be seen as betrayal of the Pangal community.
UMPC emphasized that the bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani, was passed in December 2024 without adequate debate and is now pending in the Rajya Sabha. The committee called on all Muslim organizations, civil society groups, and citizens to unite in protest and protect Waqf institutions from what it called a systematic dismantling.
The statement concluded by announcing a coordinated protest movement across Manipur and other states, while expressing deep disappointment in the lack of resistance from certain Muslim leaders.