AIMPLB Leads Black Band Protest Against Waqf Bill

Political tensions rise as AIMPLB calls for a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill by urging Muslims to wear black armbands during prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan. Opposition MPs support the move, criticizing government restrictions on religious practices, while BJP leaders condemn and dismiss it as a protest.

In a significant political development, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has instructed Muslims to don black armbands during Juma prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan, protesting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This appeal, posted via a video message by AIMPLB's General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, is seen as a bold assertion of constitutional rights.

Opposition MPs have rallied behind the AIMPLB's call, asserting this protest aligns with the constitutional freedoms of religious practice and expression. Samajwadi Party MPs Zia ur Rehman Barq and Awadhesh Prasad, among others, have vocalized their support, criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government's alleged bias and restrictions imposed on Friday prayers in public spaces.

Conversely, BJP leaders, including Jagadambika Pal and Rajkumar Chahar, have condemned the move, labeling it an unnecessary political gesture during the holy month of Ramzan. Meanwhile, protests against the Waqf Bill have gained momentum, with planned sit-ins expected to take place across various state assemblies, underscoring deepening divisions on the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)