Bhatkal – A massive and peaceful protest was held in Bhatkal on Friday to strongly oppose the recently enacted Waqf Amendments Act, which was passed in Parliament and signed into law by the President of India. Thousands of members from the Muslim community gathered after the Friday congregational prayers, denouncing the new legislation as an attack on Islamic identity, religious freedom, and minority rights, and demanded its immediate repeal.

The protest was organized by Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem Bhatkal as part of a nationwide call given by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Demonstrators assembled outside the Mini Vidhan Saudha (Taluka Administration Building), holding placards and banners to express their strong and peaceful dissent against the law.

Memorandums addressed to the Chief Justice of India, the President, and the Prime Minister of India were formally submitted through the in-charge Assistant Commissioner Kavya Rani, urging the authorities to revoke the newly enacted law, which the community believes is unconstitutional and undermines the autonomy of Waqf properties.

The protest witnessed widespread support from various local organizations, including the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation, social groups, and sports centres.

In the memorandums, protesters argued that the legislation violates Articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee the freedom of religion and the right to manage religious affairs and institutions. They described the law as a grave assault on Islamic values, Shariah, religious and cultural freedoms, communal harmony, and the foundational principles of the Constitution. They emphasized that targeting Waqf is a direct infringement on minority rights and part of a broader strategy to marginalize the Muslim community and intensify Islamophobia.

AIMPLB member Maulana Ilyas Jakti Nadvi, addressing the gathering, said the protest was not just about safeguarding Waqf properties but about upholding constitutional principles and India's pluralistic ethos. “If we remain silent today, our very existence could be endangered tomorrow,” he warned. He further highlighted the interfaith support, saying, “Our Hindu brothers are also standing with us against this black law, and non-Muslim lawyers are fighting our case in the Supreme Court—this is the true beauty of India.”

Former Bhatkal MLA Advocate J.D. Naik strongly criticized the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for passing the Waqf Amendments Act in Parliament. He alleged that the objective of the central government is to take control over Muslim Waqf properties. “Although the matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court, which has granted a temporary stay for seven days, we must all unite to demand the withdrawal of this Act and continue our struggle through a sustained movement,” he said. He extended his full support to the Muslim community in their constitutional fight and called on the government to immediately withdraw the controversial law.

Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandri, who presided over the event, called the protest a powerful beginning of a larger national movement. “This is not merely the voice of Bhatkal; the entire regions of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Mangaluru, and Goa stand firmly with the AIMPLB,” he declared. He emphasized that the protest was not directed against any religion, caste, or community but solely against a law that threatens the religious and communal assets of the Muslim community. “Raising voices against this law is a religious, national, and social duty of every Muslim,” he asserted.

Tanzeem member Advocate Imran Lanka read out the memorandum and pointed out that the new Act seeks to weaken the autonomy of Waqf Boards by placing them under direct government control. “This is a clear violation of the constitutional rights granted to religious minorities in India,” he stated.

Prominent personalities present at the protest included Tanzeem General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ Nadvi, AIMPLB member and General Secretary of Rabita Society Ateequr Rahman Muniri, Qazis of Bhatkal Maulana Abdul Rab Nadvi and Maulana Khaja Akrami Madani, and Bhatkal TMC in-charge President Altaf Kharuri, along with other Islamic scholars and community leaders.

Police personnel were present at the venue to ensure peace and smooth conduct of the protest. Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police M. Narayan arrived in Bhatkal from Karwar to personally oversee the situation, while Bhatkal DySP Mahesh and other senior police officers monitored the protest proceedings.