Imphal, April 7: In the aftermath of the passage of the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 by the Indian Parliament, strong protests have broken out across Manipur, with the Muslim community—particularly the Pangals (Manipuri Muslims)—voicing their deep opposition to the bill. The situation escalated dramatically yesterday after a violent turn of events at the residence of Asker Ali, President of the Manipur BJP Minority Morcha.
Nationwide Anger Over Waqf Bill
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, which was recently passed by both houses of Parliament and signed into law by the President of India, has faced widespread condemnation from the Muslim community. Critics claim the bill threatens the autonomy and sanctity of waqf properties—assets endowed for religious or charitable purposes within the Muslim community. Opposition parties, religious leaders, and civil society groups across India have condemned the bill, warning it could lead to state interference in waqf administration and undermine centuries-old religious traditions.
Tensions Rise in Manipur
Yesterday in Manipur, the Pangal community joined the nationwide protests, with thousands participating in demonstrations against the Act. However, tensions escalated further due to a series of controversial remarks made by Asker Ali on social media, where he mocked critics of the bill—including members of his own community.
Also read | Pangal community in Manipur Rally Against Waqf Bill 2025
Social Media Mockery That Fueled the Fire
One of Asker Ali’s Facebook comments read:
“Those who don’t contribute to the Mohalla, who steal slippers, microphones, and bandanas from the Masjid, and who can’t even speak out against local drug dealers,these Congress stooges and poppy stooges now pretend to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill.”
In response to a critical comment by user Azad Khan, who said:
“Don’t lie. You don’t even know what’s in the bill. Stop acting like Pandits.”
Asker Ali replied:
“Well done, Modi. Well done, Amit Shah. Well done, Waqf Amendment Bill.”
He then followed it with another comment:
“Jealous?”
In another post, he declared:
“Don’t politics on Waqf Amendment Bill. Welcome Bill, We support WAB.”
These comments, perceived as both dismissive and inflammatory, drew heavy backlash from within the community and contributed to the growing unrest.
Protest Turns Violent
On Sunday evening, tensions had reached a breaking point. Around 6:30 PM, a large group of Pangal mobs marched to Asker Ali’s residence at Sambrumakhong in Lilong, demanding a direct conversation with him. Security forces blocked access, but anger only grew. By 9:00 PM, the situation spiraled out of control as parts of the crowd reportedly set fire to his house. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties, but the incident marked a severe escalation in the ongoing crisis.
Public Apology and Change of Stance
In an apparent response to the backlash and the destruction of his residence, Asker Ali posted an apology video on his Facebook account shortly after the incident. In the video, he said:
“My name is Mohammed Asker Ali, and I am a resident of Lilong. I would like to apologise for my comments regarding the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, recently passed in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, which I shared through various videos, posts, and comments on social media. I want to reassure my Muslim and Meitei Pangal brothers that I will not engage in such actions again. Further, I want to voice my opposition to the WAB and call for its immediate repeal.”
The sudden reversal in his position and the apology, while acknowledged by some, have not fully calmed the outrage within the community.
What Lies Ahead
Law enforcement has been deployed to sensitive areas in Lilong and neighboring regions to prevent further violence. In the wake of escalating tensions and a violent mob incident, the District Magistrate of Thoubal has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, effectively placing restrictions across the entire Lilong Assembly Constituency.
(Courtesy: Ichel News Network)