Protests against the Waqf Act have swept through Kolkata, with demonstrators blocking roads and burning effigies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Following Friday prayers yesterday, roads were blocked at Dharmatala by members of the Tipu Sultan Mosque and the Nakhoda Mosque of Zakaria Street. From this blockade, protesters raised placards and banners, shouting continuous slogans against Prime Minister Modi and his government. At one point, effigies of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister were burned in protest.
Later, a five-member delegation proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Bill and urged the Governor to inform the Prime Minister and Home Minister of their concerns.
Muslim leaders participating in the protest made their stance clear: "We do not accept this law. It is anti-Muslim." They expressed fears that under this law, mosques, graveyards, and dargahs would be taken over. According to them, the government led by Narendra Modi is working against the interests of Muslims. They argued that the Waqf Bill introduced by the central government was unnecessary, as a Waqf Act has existed in India since before independence. Their message was firm: "Waqf property was, is, and will remain the property of Muslims."
Source: The Daily Sun
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