HYDERABAD: AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi announced that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) would organise a protest meeting against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on April 19 from 7 pm to 10 pm at Darussalam in Hyderabad.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Owaisi said the protest would be presided over by AIMPLB president Khalid Saifullah Rahmani. Several Muslim organisations from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, along with members of the Muslim Personal Law Board from both states, are expected to attend the meeting.
“The speakers will explain how the Waqf Amendment Act undermines Waqf properties and institutions,” Owaisi said, adding that the organisers were also in touch with the Waqf Committee. “If permitted, the committee members would also attend the meeting,” he said.
Owaisi questions move to make non-Muslims Waqf members
Recalling the findings of the Sachar Committee, Owaisi said 180 properties were under the illegal occupation of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Referring to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (ASMR Act), the MP criticised the provisions in the new amendment, particularly Sections 2, 3C and 3D, alleging they pose a threat to Waqf properties.
Calling the Modi government’s Act “unconstitutional,” the Hyderabad MP dismissed the BJP government’s claim that the amendment was meant to protect Waqf properties. He asserted that the Waqf (Amendment) Act contravenes Articles 14, 15, 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution.
He also questioned the move to make non-Muslims Waqf Board members. While Hindu, Jain and Sikh endowment boards included members of their respective faiths, the Modi government wants to nominate two non-Muslims to the Waqf Board. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs should think over it,” he remarked, urging the government to reconsider the Act.