Manipur: Mob Vandalize, Set BJP Leader's House On Fire Over Support For Waqf Amendment Act

Not happy with the amendments done in the WAQF bill, a mob set Manipur BJP Minority cell president Asker Ali's residence on fire. According to the reports, people were poked by his post on social media backing the WAQF Amendment bill. The incident reportedly happened at around 9 pm on Sunday night in Lilong, Thoubal district.

A section of the society was opposing amendments done by the Narendra Modi government in WAQF bill, and wanted Muslim leaders to cut all ties with the government, but opposition to it, Asker Ali openly came in support of the bill, which was not liked by the attackers.

The reports said the mob first vandalised Ali's house and then torched it. Fortunately, no member of his house was hurt during the attack.

"The Waqf Amendment Act is against the ethos of the Constitution. It is completely unacceptable for the Muslim community," said a protester.

After the incident, Akser Ali apologised to people through a video post on social media for his words that hurt people's sentiments and made a U-turn, stating that he no longer supported the WAQF amendments.

Earlier on Sunday, protests against the WAQF bill Amendments were held across the country, including Imphal's Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, Kiyamgei, and other Muslim dominated areas.

In the Lilong protest, more than 5,000 blocked the National Highway 102 to register their objection to changes made in WAQF bill. The massive protest resulted in disruption of traffic and a scuffle between protesters and security forces, who were trying to move them away from road.

Similar incidents of clashes between the security forces and protesters were reported from Irong Chesaba in Thoubal too.

Protesters raised slogans against the central government and said the Act was unacceptable.

The President approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 on Sunday after the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cleared it following long and heated debates from both sides in Parliament.