Hyderabad saw a powerful show of unity on Sunday as hundreds of people joined hands in protest against the Waqf Amendment Act-2025. Citizens formed human chains at multiple locations, voicing their concerns about the impact of the new law on Waqf properties.
The protest, called ‘Save Waqf’, was led by the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and All-India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). Protesters wore black armbands to show their disagreement with the amendment, which they believe harms the rights of religious minorities.
At Santoshnagar, near Owaisi Hospital, AIMIM floor leader and Chandrayangutta MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi joined the crowd. He strongly criticized the Act, calling it “unconstitutional and unjust”, and urged the central government to roll it back. He led chants of “Waqf Bachao” (Save Waqf), “Dastoor Bachao” (Save the Constitution), and “Hindustan Zindabad” (Long Live India).
One of the largest gatherings took place at Charminar, where local shopkeepers, traders, and residents came together. Charminar MLA Mir Zulfiqar Ali stood with them, highlighting the importance of protecting Waqf land, which is traditionally reserved for the welfare of the Muslim community.
More protests unfolded at Pillar No. 212 in Rajendranagar and in other city neighborhoods. Local MLAs including Majid Hussain (Nampally), Mohd Mubeen (Bahadurpura), Ahmed Balala (Malakpet), Kausar Mohiuddin (Karwan), and Jaffer Hussain Meraj (Yakutpura) joined the demonstrators in their constituencies. They all voiced strong opposition to the amendment, saying it threatens minority rights and the independence of Waqf institutions.
Earlier, on April 30, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, along with many residents and business owners in Hyderabad, held a silent protest by switching off their lights for the evening. This act of civil resistance aimed to draw national attention to their concerns about the new law.
Protesters across the city remain firm in their demand: withdraw the Waqf Amendment Act-2025 and safeguard the rights of minority communities.
