April 30, 2025 — In a powerful display of unity and dissent, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) orchestrated a nationwide “Lights Out” protest on April 30, 2025, from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM, opposing the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The symbolic blackout aimed to highlight concerns over the amendments, which many believe undermine the autonomy of Waqf properties and infringe upon constitutional rights.
Protest Overview
The AIMPLB’s call for a 15-minute lights-off protest was met with significant participation across various regions, particularly in areas with substantial Muslim populations. The initiative was part of a broader campaign launched on April 10 to oppose the “discriminatory and constitutionally incompatible” amendments to the Waqf Act.
Regional Participation
- Mumbai: Neighborhoods such as Nagpada, Bhendi Bazar, Dongri, and Muhammad Ali Road observed the blackout. Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi shared images depicting the solidarity shown in these areas.
- Hyderabad: The protest received a positive response, with residents and shopkeepers turning off their lights in unison. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi actively promoted the initiative, emphasizing its importance in opposing the Waqf Amendment Act.
- Lucknow: Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Imam of Lucknow Eidgah, participated in the protest and urged others to join, highlighting the community’s collective dissent against the amendments.
- Delhi: Reports indicated that several areas in the national capital experienced the blackout, with residents participating to express their opposition to the Act.
Organizational Support
The protest was not limited to individual participation; various organizations and political entities extended their support. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) organized rallies, and other groups like the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Imarat-e-Shariah also staged protests in different cities.
Conclusion
The “Lights Out” protest served as a potent symbol of collective dissent, uniting individuals and communities across the nation in opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The widespread participation underscored the deep-seated concerns regarding the amendments and highlighted the community’s resolve to safeguard constitutional and religious rights.
