The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has declared a nationwide protest against the Waqf Act, outlining a comprehensive strategy to raise awareness and express opposition. This protest includes various measures, such as public awareness campaigns, meetings, and extensive use of social media. Central to the initial phase will be special sermons in mosques on September 19th (Juma), focusing on the importance of Waqf and the implications of the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act. Prayers will be offered for the safeguarding of Waqf assets. A significant demonstration is scheduled for October 11th at Jantar-Mantar in Delhi, with planned arrests following the protest.
As part of the protest efforts, Muslims are urged to close their businesses and offices from 8 am to 2 pm on October 3rd, with the exception of medical stores. A large-scale protest rally will be organized on November 16th at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The aim is to ensure extensive participation from across the country. The event will feature key speakers, including political leaders, civil society representatives, and minority leaders. Informational materials, including pamphlets in Hindi, English, Urdu, and regional languages, will be distributed to clarify the stance against the Waqf Amendment Act.
Press conferences will be held in Delhi and all state capitals, involving board members, minority representatives, and civil society. Round table discussions will be organized in major cities across the states, including non-Muslims, political leaders, civil society figures, and minority representatives. Joint sessions with religious leaders from different faiths will focus on safeguarding the properties and institutions of Waqf. A comprehensive social media campaign will be launched, featuring weekly video clips on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram. These clips will include speeches by board leaders and regional coordinators. Efforts are underway to release video content in various regional languages.
Planned activities also include marches in Delhi and state capitals, covering distances of 3-5 kilometers. Participants will carry placards and banners. These peaceful marches will culminate in the submission of memorandums to the President and Governors. The timing of the marches will depend on the Supreme Court’s interim decision. A delegation of officials from the board and Muslim organizations will meet with the Chief Ministers on October 16th to submit a memorandum. The board chairman will write a letter to all Waqf trustees and the presidents of the State Waqf Boards, which will be distributed by board members. A campaign for the improvement of Waqf properties will run from November 1st to 8th, including the formation of teams of youth and lawyers to assist trustees with document verification and provide expert guidance. Training workshops will be conducted at the central and state levels to equip lawyers and volunteers.