Widespread dissatisfaction has emerged among the Muslim community in Manipur following the state government's decision to name non-Muslim representatives to the local Waqf Board. Members of the Pangal Muslim community organized a peaceful rally in Thoubal district to express their strong objection to the appointments.
Four-Kilometer March and Sloganeering
The demonstrators staged a four-kilometer march stretching from Usoipokpi to Lilong Bazar, chanting slogans directed against the BJP-led state administration. The protest stemmed from an official notification issued on August 3, when the state government constituted the eighth Waqf Board of Manipur with seven appointed members.
Among those appointed to the board was A Sharda Devi, who serves as the BJP state president and a Rajya Sabha member. Her inclusion, along with that of other non-Muslim figures, triggered opposition from local community groups who view the decision as an infringement on their internal management practices.
Concerns Over Religious Identity and Governance
A demonstrator highlighting the community's stance stated that including non-Muslim members has hurt the sentiments of a significant segment of Pangal Muslims. According to the protester, the matter goes beyond routine administration, striking at the core of the community's religious identity and historical autonomy over its religious institutions.
The community has traditionally taken full responsibility for managing its religious trusts and properties. The background to these developments lies in the Waqf Amendment Act passed by Parliament, which allows for the representation of non-Muslim and female members on Waqf management boards across states.
Chief Minister Holds Dialogue with Delegation
Addressing the escalating concerns, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh convened a meeting with civil society representatives from the Pangal community to discuss the grievances surrounding the Waqf Board composition.
In a social media update, Chief Minister Singh confirmed that Waqf Board Chairman Y Antaz Khan was present during the discussions. He assured the visiting delegation that the issues brought forward by the community would be examined on high priority.
Following the deliberation, a representative from the Coordination Committee for Protection of Waqf Properties Manipur (CCPWPM) expressed gratitude to the chief minister for initiating the meeting, noting that the state leadership engaged constructively with the concerns of the Pangal Muslim community.
