Imphal, Aug 21: Members of Manipur's Muslim community held a demonstration in Thoubal district on Friday to protest the state government's recent appointments to the Manipur Waqf Board that include non‑Muslim members, officials and participants said.
March in Thoubal, slogans against government
Protesters marched about 4 km from Usoipokpi to Lilong Bazar, raising slogans against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The demonstration was organised to voice objection to the appointments made earlier this month, which critics say violate the community's expectation that Waqf management be led by practising Muslims.
The state government on 3 August appointed seven members to what was described as the eighth Waqf Board of Manipur. Among those named is A Sharda Devi, the BJP state president and a Rajya Sabha member.
Community grievances and legal context
A participant speaking to reporters said the inclusion of non‑Muslims had hurt the sentiments of many in the Pangal (Muslim) community and framed the move as an infringement on religious identity and established practice in managing waqf affairs.
“The inclusion of non‑Muslim members in the Waqf Board has deeply hurt the sentiments of a large section of the Pangal (Muslim) community in the state. This is not merely an administrative decision but infringes upon religious identity and the historical tradition of managing our own religious affairs,” a protester said.
At the same time, the central Waqf law was amended some years ago to permit representation of women and non‑Muslims on Waqf management bodies. That legal change has been cited by the state government in defence of its appointments, though many in the local Muslim community see it as inconsistent with regional custom and expectations.
Chief Minister holds talks, assurance on priority
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh said he met representatives of various Pangal civil society groups to hear their concerns. In a social media statement, the chief minister said the chairman of the state Waqf Board, Y Antaz Khan, also attended the meeting and that the matter would be examined on priority.
A representative of the Coordination Committee for Protection of Waqf Properties Manipur (CCPWPM) expressed gratitude for the meeting and said the chief minister was aware of the community's concerns. No formal timeline or public outcome from the meeting was released immediately.
What protesters demand and next steps
Protest leaders have called for a review of the appointments and for the state administration to respect the community's preference for Muslim stewardship of waqf affairs. They also sought assurance that waqf properties and related religious functions would remain under the oversight of persons from the Muslim community.
- Appointment date: 3 August — seven members named to the state Waqf Board.
- Notable appointee: A Sharda Devi, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha member.
- Community action: 4 km march from Usoipokpi to Lilong Bazar on 21 August; complaints lodged with state leadership.
Broader implications
The dispute highlights a tension between statutory changes at the national level and local communal sensitivities. While the Waqf Amendment Act permits broader representation, the local reaction underlines that administrative decisions affecting religious institutions can provoke strong responses when they are perceived to challenge customary management practices.
Officials did not provide an immediate timetable for any administrative review or alteration of the appointments. The protest did not report any incidents of violence; police and district administration officials were present in the area as a precaution, according to local reports.
Observers say the government faces pressure to balance adherence to federal law with local communal harmony in a state that has experienced tensions in recent years. How the administration responds may influence wider perceptions of its handling of sensitive religious matters.
