Bhatkal: After a three-day mourning period to express solidarity with the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has relaunched its 'Save Waqf' campaign, introducing a renewed strategy focused on symbolic and peaceful demonstrations.
In a shift from mass public rallies previously held in cities like Bhatkal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Patna, Hyderabad, Parbhani, Delhi, and Vijayawada, the Board has now decided to opt for indoor gatherings and controlled protests within stadiums and community halls. This change comes amid concerns over potential unrest and miscreants attempting to disrupt the cause.
According to informed sources, this cautious approach will primarily be adopted in BJP-ruled states, where the risk of confrontational responses remains high. In contrast, states governed by opposition parties that have voiced opposition to the recent Waqf Act amendments are expected to witness continued large-scale public demonstrations.
To further mobilize nationwide participation, the Board has called for a 'Lights Off' protest across the country. Citizens have been urged to switch off all lights tonight—Wednesday—from 9:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., as a silent mark of protest against the amendments to the Waqf Act.
AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Abdul Rahim Mujaddidi appealed to the public to take part in this symbolic act from their homes, offices, shops, and workplaces, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the demonstration. “This is a unique and inclusive form of protest,” he stated. “We want every citizen to feel part of this movement, and silence often speaks louder than words.”
Board spokesperson SQR Ilyas further elaborated that the strategy in BJP and NDA-ruled states is one of caution and restraint. “We aim to avoid any situation where the state might label our protests as unlawful or violent,” he said. “Peaceful yet impactful protest is our goal. If the environment on the ground doesn’t support open demonstrations, we will instead organize conferences to present our concerns, like the one held recently at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi.”
He emphasized that the movement is not confined to any one community. “This campaign seeks to uphold constitutional values and challenge a law that is discriminatory in nature and infringes upon fundamental rights. We welcome support from citizens of all faiths.”
Additional protests are expected to be held in Malegaon and Jamshedpur. “We are assessing the public sentiment in each location,” said Ilyas. “Only in places where people are responsive to our message are we organizing mass rallies. In other regions, our method involves submitting memorandum and holding awareness meetings instead.”
While ground-level activism through rallies and symbolic protests continues, the Waqf case is also scheduled for a key hearing in the Supreme Court on May 5.