"If not withdrawn, we will campaign against bill": All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Waqf Bill

"We believe that whatever we have said publicly, in front of the government, in front of the JPC, in front of the opposition parties and also in front of the ruling party, we believe that good sense will prevail and the government will withdraw this amendment. But if the amendment is not withdrawn and it is passed, then we will hold a campaign against it across the country. Our campaign will be completely democratic, peaceful," Qasim Ilyas told ANI.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called for a protest on March 17 at Delhi's Janta Mantar against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Addressing a press conference here today, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson of the AIMPLB, said that the government wants to create division between Hindus and Muslims and desires unrest in the country.

"There have been continuous protests happening in various places, and press conferences are being held. We were supposed to hold a protest on March 13, but that day is Holi. On that day, the MPs will not be able to attend. Therefore, now we will hold a massive protest at Jantar Mantar on 17th March 2025," he said.

"People from all communities who supported us have been invited to this protest. Many MPs have also been invited to this protest. The BJP always spreads hatred, but at least we expect that their allied parties will not support the BJP in this decision," Ilyas added.

The AIMPLB spokesperson further highlighted that every endowment in the country has the same protection as the Waqf.

"To say that Waqf has special protection is wrong. The clause on 'Waqf by user' in this bill pertains to properties like mosques, dargahs, and burial grounds, which are not registered but are being used by Waqf as Waqf properties. Due to this, all unregistered properties will go," he said.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)