A man ties a black armband to another before prayers, to protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill-2024, on the occasion of ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ festival, at Idgah in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Monday, March 31, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Posters supporting Palestine and black armbands in protest against the Central Government’s plans to amend the Waqf Act were visible during Eid celebrations and namaz in parts of Madhya Pradesh, including the capital Bhopal on Monday (March 31, 2025).
At the Bhopal Idgah, several people sported black arm bands during the morning prayers against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, while videos on social media showed groups of people showcasing placards in support of Palestine.
In one of the videos, two youths could be seen climbing a wall with placards reading “Protect Al-Aqsa, protect Palestine.”
Earlier during Friday prayers on March 28, black armbands were worn by Muslims in various cities, including Bhopal and Vidisha, in response to a call by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang said that such protests without reading the bill reflect a divisive mentality.
“You did not tie black bands when Pakistan launched a terror attack in Pulwama or during the terror attacks in Mumbai. You did not wear black bands when Hindu minorities were being exploited in Bangladesh,” he said, alleging it was “indicative” of the mindsets of the Congress, and Asaduddin Owaisi.
Waqf failed the poor
He said no poor Muslims have benefitted from the Waqf, and alleged that some communal Muslim leaders are encroaching on the Waqf Board’s land.
“And if the government wants to get poor Muslims their rights, then they are misled,” he said.
On March 28, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also said that the Bill will be reintroduced in the ongoing session of Parliament. The Bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee in August, 2024.
“We will introduce the Waqf Bill in Parliament within this session. The opposition is misleading Muslims. No rights of Muslims will be curbed. They are just telling lie after lie,” Mr. Shah said, during a discussion with a TV channel.
Over the past few months, protests have been witnessed in several parts of the country to oppose the Centre’s plans to amend the Waqf Act.
Published – April 01, 2025 03:00 am IST
