“Our Voices Matter”: Thousands Rally in Manipur Against Waqf Amendment Bill

In a powerful show of unity, over 5,000 people took to the streets in Manipur’s Lilong area on Sunday to protest against the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill. The rally, held along National Highway 102 in Thoubal district, drew participants from across Muslim-dominated regions of the state, all voicing strong opposition to the bill, which they say undermines their rights and contradicts the spirit of the Indian Constitution.

Security was tight throughout the day, with paramilitary and additional forces deployed in anticipation of the mass gathering. Despite the heavy presence of law enforcement, the rally proceeded peacefully from the Aliya Madrasah area to Lilong Haoreibi, escorted by security personnel.

Lilong, which has the highest concentration of Muslims in Manipur, became the epicenter of the protest. Elsewhere too, symbolic demonstrations were held in various Muslim pockets after the afternoon prayers. Protesters raised slogans, carried placards, and stood in solidarity with their community, decrying what they call a direct assault on their constitutional rights.

Community leaders criticized the heavy security deployment, calling it an attempt to intimidate and discourage peaceful democratic expression. “This Bill goes against the ethos of the Constitution. We are not here to create unrest, we are here to be heard,” said Sakir Ahmed, a respected social worker and community leader, as he addressed the rally.

Minor scuffles were reported between protesters and security forces at Irong Chesaba in Thoubal, where a rally was briefly obstructed. Fortunately, no major incidents or injuries were reported.

Protests were also seen in other Muslim-populated areas including Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, Kiyamgei Muslim in Imphal East, and Sora in Bishnupur District, reinforcing that the resistance to the Waqf Amendment Bill is not isolated but widespread.

For now, the people of Manipur’s Muslim community continue to voice their dissent, determined to protect what they believe are their constitutional rights—through peaceful, united, and persistent protest.

News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”