Fifteen-Minute Blackout in Agra's Muslim Areas Protesting Wakf Bill; Supreme Court Hearing on May 5th.
Blackout Protest: Residents of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, conducted a peaceful 15-minute blackout to protest the amended Wakf Act. Responding to a call from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), residents in predominantly Muslim areas such as Mantola, Lohamandi, Shahganj, Tajganj, and Syedpada switched off lights in their homes and shops at 9 pm on Wednesday.
Protest Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing
The recently passed Wakf amendment bill has been challenged in the Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled for May 5th. The AIMPLB has termed the act as violative of the rights of the Muslim community and unconstitutional.
AIMPLB Meeting in Delhi
Prior to this, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board convened a meeting of religious scholars (Ulema) in Delhi. The meeting resolved that the Muslim community should engage in peaceful protests against the law. Following this, the board appealed to Muslims nationwide to observe a 15-minute blackout from 9 pm on May 1st. Agra witnessed a widespread response to this appeal.
Areas Affected by Protest; Police on High Alert
During the blackout, areas like Mantola, Nai Ki Mandi, Besan Basti, Azam Pada in Shahganj, Shaheed Nagar in Sadar, and Tajganj experienced darkness. The sudden power outage prompted heightened police vigilance, with increased patrolling in Mantola and other areas. However, the protest remained entirely peaceful.
Social Organizations Describe Action as Peaceful
Dr. Siraj Qureshi, President of the Hindustani Biraderi, and Adnan Qureshi, President of the Mantola Market Committee, stated that the protest was in response to the AIMPLB's call and aimed to convey the community's concerns to the government. They emphasized that the protest was not directed against anyone but was a demonstration to protect their religious and social rights.
