- By Shibra Siddiqui
- Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hyderabad has come up with an unique way to register its dissent against recently passed Waqf Amendment Act 2025, as the city plans a symbolic ‘blackout protest’ on April 30. This marks a unique protest amid growing nationwide objection led by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen(AIMIM).
The protest urges citizens to observe a 9 pm blackout as a peaceful form of resistance against the law, which community leaders argue erodes Muslim rights and identity.
Why The Balck Out Protest
A massive public meeting was held at the AIMIM headquarters in Hyderabad, where thousands gathered under the banner "Save Waqf, Save Constitution." The gathering saw unity across party lines, with representatives from various parties, including Congress, BRS, YSR Congress, and DMK, joining forces to protest against the Waqf law amendment.
Addressing the crowd, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi declared that the law would have to be repealed, drawing inspiration from the farmers' protests. "You will have to take back this law," he said, adding that the community would continue to agitate peacefully until the law is withdrawn.
Owaisi urged the people to prepare for a long-term movement, asking, "Are you ready for a long-drawn democratic battle?" He called on the crowd to promise themselves that they would continue to protest until the law is repealed.
Hitting out at a BJP leader Nishikant Dubey’s comments on the judiciary, he added, "When verdicts like those in Ayodhya and other cases go against Muslims, we don't lash out... Even when the decision goes against what we wish for, we accept it. We accept because we believe in constitutional morality. But, these Sangh Parivar people are anti-constitution people."
As the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions challenging the amendment, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is planning several protest across states. These includes:
City-level Roundtable: May 18
Women-led Public Meeting: May 22 at Eidgah Bilali Hockey Ground
Human Chain Protest: May 25
Sit-in Demonstration: June 1
Similar public meetings are also set to take place in several districts across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.