Pune: The Muslim community in Pune gathered today to protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill, voicing strong opposition to the central government’s proposed legislation. The protest, organized in front of the District Collector’s office, was part of a broader nationwide demonstration against the bill. Protesters accused the government of imposing the bill on the community, claiming it would adversely affect the management and ownership of Waqf properties.
The demonstration in Pune was held in solidarity with the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where Muslim community leaders have also raised their concerns about the bill. The protesters made it clear that they reject the conditions proposed by the central government’s Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the bill. They strongly warned that the Muslim community would not allow any part of the Waqf Board’s land to be taken or misappropriated under the new legislation.
In a statement during the protest, the demonstrators emphasized their determination to protect Waqf properties, asserting that the bill, if passed, would undermine the community’s rights and heritage. They called for the government to reconsider the bill and engage in a dialogue with community representatives to address their concerns.
The protest drew a significant number of participants, all of whom expressed their solidarity with the cause and urged the government to withdraw the bill in its current form.
As the debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill continues, protests like the one in Pune reflect the growing concerns within the Muslim community regarding the potential implications of the bill on their religious and cultural institutions.
