Pics: Niranjan M N
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 28: Save Waqf-Protect Constitution Agitation committee, Udupi district, to stage massive protest opposing the recently introduced Waqf Amendment Act by the Central Government at 4 pm in Udupi Mission Compound on May 30.
Abdul Raheman Razvi Kalkatta, Convener of Save Waqf-Protect Constitution Agitation committee, addressing the media in the press meet held on May 28, said, “The Waqf Amendment Act introduced by the Central Government is unconstitutional and discriminatory, targeting the Muslim community in a manner that is against the principles of justice. The central government has been continuously engaged in weakening the Constitution, and this Act is a part of that process. This Act not only violates many chapters of the Constitution that guarantee fundamental rights to citizens but also goes against the Preamble of the Constitution, which upholds its core values. At a time when there is indirect support from the ruling class for the destruction of Waqf properties and the search for temples within mosques, the implementation of such a law is even more concerning.”
Abdul Rajeman, further stated, the replacement of the Waqf Board’s legal authority with that of the District commissioner, the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, the removal of rights for long-term users of Waqf properties, and the demand for historic records of Waqf lands from centuries ago are clear indications of the discriminatory nature of the law.
The protest, which was originally scheduled for May 13, was postponed in light of the recent military operation against Pakistan, as a gesture of moral support to Indian soldiers. It has now been rescheduled to May 30, with a call for all constitution-loving and democratic citizens of Udupi to participate in large numbers.
The protest will be attended by All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesperson Dr Qasim Rasool Ilyas, MP Samajwadi Party Maulana Muhibullah, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru District Qazi Abdul Hameed Musliyar Mani, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka State secretary Janab Muhammad Kunhi, Karnataka Muslim Jamaat State leader Maulana Abdur Rasheed Zani Kamil Sakhafi, State secretaries of SDPI Karnataka Janab Ilyas Tumbe, Christian religious leader Fr William Martis, renowned Sunni Scholar Maulana Abdul Aziz Darimi, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi State organization convener Sundar Master, social activist Niketh Raj Maurya, noted thinker and columnist Shivasundar, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, prominent political and social leader.
The press meet was attended by Muslim Okkoota Vice President Mohammed Idris, Sahabalave co-convener Udyavar Nagesh Kumar, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi State organization convener Sundar Master, senior vice president Muslim Okkoota Rafeek Gangolli, secretary Muslim Okkoota Zafrulla T M, Agitation committee co-convener Riyaz Kodi, and Azid Udyavar.