Protest Against Waqf Bill Amendment During Eid Prayers in Hailakandi

Thousands of Muslim worshippers gathered at different Eidgahs in the Hailakandi district on Monday to offer Eid prayers. However, amid the religious occasion, they also staged a peaceful protest against the government’s decision to amend the Waqf Bill. Holding placards, they expressed strong opposition to government intervention in Waqf properties.

After the prayers, the protesters made it clear that Waqf properties should only be used for religious and charitable purposes and should not come under government control. They warned that if the central government did not withdraw the proposed amendment, the protest could turn into a larger movement. Many local protesters spoke to the media, stating that they would never accept this bill and demanded its immediate cancellation.

One of the protesters described the new Waqf Board Amendment Bill as disappointing. He said, “This board has existed since British rule. Through this, the Muslim community donated land in the name of Allah for charitable work. Madrasas, mosques, and graveyards were built on these lands. Now, the Narendra Modi government is trying to take away these lands. This bill would remove the power of the Waqf Board and transfer it to the District Magistrate.”

He questioned the intention behind the bill, saying that since the District Magistrate works under government orders, the amendment would allow complete government control over Waqf properties. He also pointed out that under this bill, Waqf properties must be digitally registered within six months, failing which the land would be taken by the government, and the minority community would lose their right to appeal in court. “As members of a minority community, we cannot let the government take control of our graveyards and religious lands,” he added.

Although the protest was peaceful, the administration had placed tight security at the Eidgahs to prevent any disturbances. The police monitored the situation closely, ensuring that the demonstration remained orderly. Despite the heavy security, the protesters managed to voice their demands without any untoward incidents.

Now, all eyes are on the government’s response to the protest. It remains to be seen whether this demonstration will lead to further movements in the coming days.

The Waqf Board is a statutory body responsible for managing and overseeing Waqf properties, which are assets permanently dedicated by Muslims for religious, pious, or charitable purposes. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes significant changes to the existing Waqf Act of 1995, including altering the composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards to include non-Muslim members and women, transferring the authority to determine Waqf property ownership from Waqf Tribunals to District Magistrates, and requiring formal deeds for new Waqf declarations.