Protests have surged in Manipur in response to the appointment of two non-Muslim members to the newly formed 8th Manipur Waqf Board Committee. Demonstrations have taken place in Sora, Lilong, and Kshetrigao over the last three days, reflecting widespread discontent regarding the representation within the committee.
Organisers have warned that further phases of the agitation could be launched in different parts of the state if the government does not reconsider the composition of the Board.
The mobilisation has also prompted Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to meet representatives of the Meitei Pangal community and assure them that their concerns over the composition of the Waqf Board would be looked into on priority. Addressing the gathering, Jamiat-ul-Ulama Sora Branch president ML Zulfiqar Alam Sheikh described the Waqf Board as an important institution for the Muslim community and demanded that the decision to include the two non-Muslim members be revoked. He warned that the agitation would be intensified across the state if the government failed to respond to the demand. MV Ataur Rahman, president of the Joint Committee, also demanded the removal of the two non-Muslim members and their replacement with Muslim members. He argued that the Waqf system has traditionally been administered by Muslims. The Chief Minister assured the representatives that their grievances would be looked into on a priority basis.
LUC Convener Sajad Bhuyamayum said the organisation opposed provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, which he described as contrary to secularism and freedom of religion.
Rahman said the Waqf Board manages properties donated by generations of Muslims for religious, educational and charitable purposes, including mosques, Eidgahs, madrasas, graveyards and educational institutions. He also briefed them on the government’s efforts to revive economic activity in Moreh, according to the meeting account.
Sheikh also expressed support for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census. He also referred to petitions concerning the legislation before the Supreme Court and appealed to the government to review the matter.
