The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held a protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill on Monday, March 17. AIMPLB organised a demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, joined by Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. However, tensions rose when a Hindu activist from Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district arrived to counter the protest in support of the bill.
The activist, identified as Sachin Sirohi, opposed the AIMPLB’s stance and demanded that the country be governed by the Constitution. Speaking to the media, he said, “The country will run according to the Constitution. What is this drama by the Opposition? They should listen to the government. We believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will bring this law.”
When police prevented Sirohi from approaching the AIMPLB protest, he staged a sit-in on the road. He declared his willingness to be arrested and accused the AIMPLB supporters of attempting to incite riots. He also expressed his intention to recite the Hanuman Chalisa at the protest site.
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Another activist from Meerut disrupted AIMPLB protest against the Waqf Bill and later detained by Delhi Police for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' and demanding the Waqf Board's abolition.
"The only demand is that the amendment being made to the Waqf Board in a secular country—where such a board should not even exist—is a necessary step by the government. However, protests and slogans are being raised here. I came and saw it myself—we are willing to talk peacefully, but they were chanting 'Nara-e-Takbir.' Why are such slogans being raised here? That is one issue. The second issue is whether the government amends or even revokes it, but this attempt to create another Shaheen Bagh cannot be allowed," Hindu activist supporter said.
The central government is currently working to pass the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament. According to the ruling party, the bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address issues in the regulation and management of Waqf properties. However, Muslim organisations argue that the amendments would strip them of their rights, leading to widespread opposition.