GUWAHATI: Widespread protests have broken out in Assam and Manipur following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which had received presidential assent on Saturday, April 5. The new legislation, now a law, has triggered strong opposition from various Muslim organisations and political groups, with several incidents of violence and disruption being reported across both states.
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In Assam, a large demonstration was held in Nilambazar on Monday, April 7, organised by several Muslim organisations demanding the repeal of the Waqf Amendment Act. According to sources, over a thousand protestors gathered at the Nilambazar Circle Officer’s office premises, raising slogans and voicing their disapproval of the legislative changes. Tensions flared when some protestors further attempted to block National Highway No. 6, leading to a brief clash with security personnel. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed swiftly, and the situation was brought under control. No major injuries or arrests were reported.
Following the incident, local leaders of the Kaibarta Muslim Organisation in Nilambazar stated that the agitation would continue until the law is rolled back.
Meanwhile, on the night of Sunday, April 6, the residence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Morcha president in Manipur was set on fire by a mob in Lilong, Thoubal district. The attack reportedly stemmed from his earlier support for the Waqf Amendment Bill on social media. A crowd gathered around 9 PM, vandalised the property, and later torched it. In the aftermath, the leader released a video statement apologising for his remarks and expressing his opposition to the law.
Earlier the same day, protests had erupted in several parts of the Imphal Valley, with demonstrators blocking National Highway 102 at Lilong and scuffling with security personnel at Irong Chesaba in Thoubal. Protestors raised slogans against the BJP-led government and denounced the law, terming it unconstitutional and harmful to minority rights.
Similar protests were reported across Imphal East, including in Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, and Kiyamgei Muslim areas, as well as in Sora, Thoubal district. The state government has since deployed additional security forces in Muslim-majority regions of the valley to maintain law and order.
Relatedly, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide movement against the Waqf Amendment Act. In a recent statement, the board said it would coordinate with religious, social, and community-based organisations to intensify protests through legal and democratic means. The board also criticised National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies for supporting the legislation, accusing them of abandoning secular principles.
In response, the government has defended the law as a reform intended to benefit the minority community.
