New Delhi, 1 October (IANS) All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has postponed the proposed Bharat Bandh for 3 October, which was to be part of the second phase of its nationwide movement against the Waqf Amendment Act.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the board clarified that the decision was taken after an emergency meeting of its office-bearrs, which was called under the chairmanship of Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, President of AIMPLB.
Dr. SQR ILYAS, AIMPLB spokesperson and national convenor of Save Waqf Abhiyan, said that in some states, the bandh was being postponed in view of the upcoming religious festivals falling on the same date.
“Reports indicate that our fellow citizens’ religious festivals are going to be held on 3 October in many areas. Keeping this in mind, the board conducted a consultation and resolved to unanimously postpone the bandh,” Ilyas said.
While the bandh has been closed for now, AIMPLB reiterated that its movement against the Waqf Amendment Act would continue with other protest programs already declared.
Ilyas said, “Bharat is closed, postponed, but InshaAllah, new dates will be announced soon. The movement against the anti-vakf law will be according to the plan.”
On Friday, 3 October to be closed from 8 am to 2 pm on Friday, 3 October with a call to shut off the bandh, offices and commercial establishments. However, essential medical services, hospitals and pharmacies were exempted from shutdown. But it has now been postponed. The latest date will be announced soon, AIMPLB said.
AIMPLB is leading a nationwide campaign against the WAQF Amendment Act, claiming that it reduces the autonomy of WAQF institutions and violates the rights of the Muslim community.
The board has already organized public meetings, rallies and signature campaigns in various states, and has announced a phased movement including a nationwide shutdown.
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