Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) Tensions continue to simmer in Manipur as the Minorities Students’ Association Manipur (MSAM) and the All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organization (AMMSO) issued a joint statement today, demanding that key Muslim MLAs and others representing constituencies with significant Muslim populations publicly declare their positions on the controversial WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2025. The statement comes amid widespread protests across the state by the Meitei Pangal (Muslim) community, who view the Act as a threat to their religious and property rights.
The statement specifically called out three Muslim MLAs—Abdul Nasir (JDU, Lilong AC), Sheikh Noorul Hassan (NPP, Kshetrigao AC), and Md. Ashabudin (BJP, Jiribam AC)—urging them to clarify their stance on the Act by the end of the day. Abdul Nasir, who chairs the WAQF Board Manipur and represents JDU, a member of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that passed the Act in Parliament, faced particular scrutiny. The groups demanded that he articulate whether he prioritizes the interests of Manipur’s Muslim minority or his party’s political agenda.
Sheikh Noorul Hassan has already taken a firm stand against the Act, announcing plans to challenge it in the Supreme Court, citing its violation of minority rights and constitutional principles. “The WAQF Amendment Act is unjust and deeply insensitive to the sentiments of the Muslim community,” Hassan stated earlier this week, condemning the use of inflammatory terms like “Jihad” by some protesters while emphasizing the need for peaceful demonstrations. Meanwhile, Md. Ashabudin, the BJP MLA from Jiribam, has yet to make a public statement, drawing sharp criticism from the student organizations for his silence.
The statement also targeted 19 MLAs from constituencies with significant Muslim populations, including Moirang MLA Shri Shanti, Bishenpur MLA Govindas, and Thoubal MLA O. Ibobi, among others, pressing them to declare their positions by today. The groups emphasized that these leaders must consider the “rights, interests, and aspirations” of the Muslim community in their constituencies.
The controversy surrounding the WAQF Amendment Act intensified following violent incidents, including the April 6 arson attack on the residence of BJP Minority Morcha Manipur president Askar Ali in Thoubal district, after he expressed support for the Act on social media. Ali later apologized and retracted his stance, urging the government to repeal the law. Protests have since spread across Imphal Valley, with thousands rallying in areas like Mantripukhri, Hatta Golapati, and Bishnupur, carrying placards reading “Save Masjid, Madrasa, Qabrstan” and “We Reject WAQF Act,” while chanting slogans against the BJP-led central government.
The Act, officially titled the Unified WAQF Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025 (UMEED Act), was passed by Parliament and received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on April 5. The government claims it aims to enhance transparency and streamline the management of WAQF properties—assets donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. However, critics, including opposition parties like Congress, AIMIM, and AAP, argue it undermines Muslim autonomy by increasing state control and removing provisions allowing properties to be designated as WAQF based on oral declarations or long-term use.
The student organizations also addressed former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who represents Heingang AC and has publicly endorsed the Act. The statement noted ongoing discussions within the Muslim community in his constituency, hinting at potential political repercussions.
As Manipur braces for a Supreme Court hearing on April 16, where petitions challenging the Act’s constitutionality will be reviewed, the MSAM and AMMSO vowed to continue their agitation until the Act is repealed or significantly amended. “We will not rest until our rights are protected,” the statement concluded, underscoring the growing unrest in the state already grappling with ethnic tensions.
With security heightened in Muslim-dominated areas like Lilong following recent violence, the coming days will test the delicate balance between community demands and political alignments in Manipur
