Lakhs gather in Mangaluru to protest Waqf Amendment Act
A massive protest unfolded at Shah Grounds near National Highway 73 in Kannur, Mangaluru, as lakhs gathered under the banner of the ‘Ulama Coordination Karnataka’ to oppose the Union Government’s Waqf Amendment Act.
The event was held after Friday prayers.
With tricolour flags waving from rooftops and treetops, the air resonated with chants of “Allahu Akbar” and “Azadi”.
“Reject Waqf Amendment Act”, “Stop Politicising Waqf” placards were carried by protesters.
One of the speakers, B K Abdul Khadir Al Qasimi Bambraan, condemned Prime Minister Modi’s earlier statement suggesting that better use of Waqf properties would have kept Muslims from working as puncture wallas.
“This isn’t said with love, but with the intent to create division. Our heritage includes the Taj Mahal and Charminar — we’ve contributed greatly to India’s identity,” he said.
“The ones who forced us onto the streets will face the public on May 5,” said Shafi Saadi, former State Waqf Board president. “No Waqf board has taken over temples or farmlands. Just like in the Shah Bano case, we will fight until this law is rolled back.”
Traffic movement came to a virtual halt for some time between Padil and Thumbay on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75 on Friday evening due to the gathering of people for the protest at Shah Grounds in Adyar.
