AIMPLB calls for black bands on last Friday of Ramzan to protest Waqf Bill
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New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is calling on Muslims to wear black armbands on their right hands during Juma prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan, also known as Alvida Juma, as a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024.
AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi made a video appeal, posted on the Board's X handle, urging Muslims to wear a black armband on their right hand during prayers.
"Protests by the AIMPLB against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill continue. In that context, register your protest on the occasion of Juma Tul Wida (last Friday of Ramzan)," he said.
He is urging Muslims to wear a black armband on their right hand during Juma prayers and share a video of it on social media. They're also encouraged to send these videos to the AIMPLB's online desk.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Sunday, with plans for large sit-ins in front of state assemblies in Patna and Vijayawada on March 26 and 29, respectively. This marks the first phase of the protest.
Protests against the Waqf Bill swept Bihar on Wednesday, with demonstrations erupting from the state legislature to the streets. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) organised a massive sit-in, known as 'maha dharna', in Patna, drawing support from various political parties within and outside the state.
The AIMPLB demonstrations took place just a kilometre away from the Vidhan Sabha premises, with protesters demanding the rollback of the contentious Waqf Bill introduced by the Narendra Modi government. They also urged "secular" leaders, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to reconsider their support for the legislation.
The AIMPLB's 31-member Action Committee has resolved to adopt all constitutional, legal and democratic means to oppose the bill, which it has described as "controversial, discriminatory and damaging".
Major rallies are scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Malerkotla (Punjab) and Ranchi, the AIMPLB had said in a statement.
The AIMPLB's statement comes after Parliament's joint committee submitted its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Though not listed yet, there is speculation that the proposed legislation could be brought for passage in Parliament during the ongoing budget session.
A 31-member panel reviewed the Waqf Bill, proposing amendments after multiple meetings and hearings. However, opposition members disagreed with the report and submitted dissent notes. The 655-page report was submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30.
The joint committee approved the report, which included changes suggested by the ruling BJP, with a 15-11 majority vote. This move sparked criticism from the opposition, who labelled it an attempt to dismantle Waqf boards.
The Waqf Bill was referred to the joint committee on August 8 last year, following its introduction in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
(inputs from PTI)