Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma announced that Waqf rallies will not be permitted, urging protesters to approach the courts instead. He emphasized that while people may have differing opinions on the Act, street protests will not be allowed.
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a firmer position regarding protests against the amended Waqf law, stating that his government will not permit any demonstrations.
He remarked that while individuals may have differing opinions about the Act, no one would be allowed to protest on the streets.
This statement follows a week in which numerous protesters were detained by police in central and western Assam as they attempted to reach Guwahati for a demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, organized by the AAMSU.
Also Read: Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 Enacted | The President of India Gives Assent on April 5
On Sunday, a protest in Silchar town, located in southern Assam, escalated into violence when demonstrators began throwing stones as police attempted to disperse the crowd. In neighboring West Bengal, protests have also turned violent, resulting in three deaths and many people becoming homeless.
Mr. Sarma emphasized that the matter is currently before the Supreme Court, which is set to begin hearings on Wednesday.
He stated,
“If anyone has anything to say in its favour or against it, he or she can approach the court. It will be properly discussed there by the judges,”
He warned that if some individuals oppose the Act in the streets, those in support of it might also demonstrate, leading to potential conflict.
He added,
“But we don’t want any fight or conflict in Assam. We all must maintain our brotherly relationship and take the state forward,”
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 officially become law after receiving the President of India’s assent on April 5, 2025. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has officially become the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
This marks a major reform in the governance of Waqf properties across the country.
The Waqf Act, originally enacted in 1995, governs the administration of Muslim charitable endowments (Waqf properties) in India.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which faced significant opposition from various groups, including key Muslim organizations, was approved by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after a 12-hour-long debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to enhance the management of Waqf properties in India, has undergone a detailed and consultative legislative process before becoming law.
On August 8, 2024, two significant legislative proposals, namely the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, were introduced in the Lok Sabha. These bills aim to enhance the efficiency of Waqf Board operations and ensure better management of Waqf properties across India.
The concept of Waqf in India dates back to the Delhi Sultanate era when Sultan Muizuddin Sam Ghaor dedicated two villages to the Jama Masjid of Multan. Over time, successive Islamic dynasties increased the number of Waqf properties.
These properties are typically donated for religious, educational, or charitable purposes and are managed by Waqf Boards established under the Act. Over the years, problems like corruption, poor management, and illegal occupation have troubled the system, leading to the need for changes and reforms.
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