Hyderabad

Several members of the Muslim community who congregated in masjids on Jumatul Vida, the last Friday of Ramzan, wore black bands as a symbolic protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.

The move came after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) called upon Muslims to express their disapproval of the Bill, and urged them to wear black bands.

Volunteers were seen at the Mecca Masjid, which witnesses one of the largest Jumatul Vida congregations in Hyderabad, handing out black bands to those making way to the place of worship. Several young men in smaller masjids across the city also wore them.

AIMPLB spokesperson S.Q.R. Ilyas told The Hindu, “People across the country wore black bands as a mark of protest. It went on to show that we all — from the north, south, east and west — from the country are united against the bill. Secondly, this protest is done in a peaceful manner and in line with the Constitution of India. We want to tell the government to mend their ways, and stop diversionary tactics. The Bill does not increase transparency in waqf matters in any manner.”