Protests in Hyderabad, other Telangana cities against Waqf (Amendment) Act

IANS April 11, 2025 217 views

Muslims across Telangana have launched widespread protests against the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act, expressing deep concerns about potential impacts on religious properties. Demonstrations were held at multiple mosques, including the historic Mecca Masjid, with protesters wearing black armbands and carrying powerful slogans challenging the legislation. The protestors allege the Act threatens the rights of the Muslim community and have called for its immediate withdrawal. Multiple petitions challenging the Act are set to be heard by the Supreme Court on April 16, indicating the ongoing legal battle surrounding this controversial legislation.

"Owner of Waqf is Allah, Custodian of Waqf is Muslim community" - Protest Placard
Hyderabad, April 11: Muslims staged protests in Hyderabad on Friday against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Key Points

1

Massive protests held at Mecca Masjid against controversial Waqf Amendment

2

Muslim organizations challenge legislation's impact on religious properties

3

Demonstrations spread across multiple Telangana cities

4

Supreme Court petitions scheduled for April 16

Protests were held at the historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar, at Dargah Ujale Shah mosque in Saeedabad and other mosques in the city.

Soon after Friday prayers at Mecca Masjid, the protestors came out on the road raising slogans of "Naare Takbeer Allahu Akbar", "We want justice", "Hum sab ek hain", and "Nahi Nahi chalegi, Tanshahi Nahi chalegi". They were carrying placards, demanding the withdrawal of the Waqf Act.

Police had made elaborate security arrangements around the 17th-century mosque to prevent any untoward incident.

"We strongly condemn and oppose the Waqf Amendment Act 2025," reads a banner seen during the protest.

The protestors were wearing black armbands to lodge their protest against the Waqf Act. The protestors also criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose parties supported the Waqf Bill in the Parliament.

They also called for a boycott of Heritage Foods, a company owned by Chandrababu Naidu’s family.

Similar protests were held at Darulshifa Masjid and Ujale Shah mosque in Saeedabad to demand the withdrawal of the controversial legislation.

"Roll back black Waqf Law", "Owner of Waqf is Allah, Custodian of Waqf is Muslim community", and "Defending Waqf is defending deen" were some of the slogans on placards carried by the protestors.

Various Muslim organisations staged the protests outside the mosques. They alleged that the Modi government is conspiring to snatch Waqf properties from Muslims.

The protestors alleged that the Waqf Act is against the religious interests of the Muslim community. Demanding immediate rollback of the Act, they said it would negatively impact Waqf properties.

Through some of the placards, the protestors called for making the proposed march on April 26 a success. Muslim organisations have called for a march against the Waqf Act at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad.

Protests against the Waqf Act were also held at Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Warangal and other towns in Telangana.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Parliament last week. It became a law and came into force this week after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent.

Some opposition parties and Muslim organisations have challenged the Waqf Act in the Supreme Court.

Various petitions against the Act are scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on April 16.

Reader Comments

A
Ayesha K.
This is a peaceful protest for our rights. The Waqf properties belong to the Muslim community and this amendment is clearly targeting us. Proud of everyone who came out today! ✊
R
Rahul S.
While I support the right to protest, I wish the organizers had chosen a different location than roads near mosques. The traffic disruptions affected many people just trying to go about their day.
M
Mohammed F.
The black armbands were a powerful symbol. This amendment affects our religious institutions directly. The government should listen to the concerns of the community before making such changes.
P
Priya R.
I walked past the protest today and was impressed by how peaceful it was. The police arrangements seemed appropriate too. Hope the Supreme Court hearing brings some clarity on this issue.
I
Imran A.
The boycott call against Heritage Foods seems counterproductive. We should focus on legal challenges rather than targeting businesses. The April 26 march needs better planning if they want wider support.
S
Sanjay T.
Interesting to see protests across multiple cities in Telangana. The government should explain the need for this amendment more clearly. Transparency would help reduce tensions. 🤔

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Waqf Amendment Act Hyderabad Protests Muslim Community Religious Rights Telangana Demonstrations
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