Mumbai: Protest meetings against the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill were held outside many mosques after Friday afternoon prayers. Police detained protestors, including former All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen, Waris Pathan, after he addressed a meeting at Hindustani Masjid, Byculla.
Muslim groups are observing the week from April 11 as 'Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf' week' to oppose the bill passed by Parliament. Maulana Mehmood Daryabadi, convener of the Maharashtra unit of the national committee formed to oppose the bill, said the week will be dedicated to protests and meetings to create awareness about the bill at different mosques. An eleven-point programme issued by the Muslim Personal Law Board was read out during the day's sermon.
Protesters gather outside Hindustani Masjid in Byculla against Waqf Amendment Bill | File Photo
Attendees at mosques have been asked to wear black armbands to the mosque as a sign of protest. Meetings will be held wherever permissions are obtained from the police. Members of the committee will talk to non-Muslims to get their support for the protest. The central committee of the board will be held on April 22 at the Talkatora Stadium in Delhi. Ram Lila Ground in Delhi will be the venue for protests on July 7.
