Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 31: In a symbolic protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Karnataka ministers and their supporters wore black bands while offering Ramzan prayers on Monday.
Minister for Waqf and Tourism B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan and Minister for Municipal Administration and Hajj K. Rahman Khan, along with hundreds of their supporters, participated in the morning prayers in Bengaluru and Bidar, respectively, wearing black bands to express their dissent against the proposed legislation.
At Chamarajpet Grounds in Bengaluru, Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan joined the congregation with a black band tied around his arm, a gesture mirrored by his supporters. Addressing reporters after the prayers, he said, "Ramzan and Ugadi are both significant festivals, bringing people together in celebration. Today, I prayed for communal harmony, wishing that Hindus, Muslims, and Christians continue to live in unity as brothers and sisters."
The minister also revealed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who usually attends Ramzan prayers, was unable to join this year due to health reasons. "He called me this morning to convey his wishes to the community, and special prayers were offered for his well-being," Zameer added.
He emphasized that the black bands were a peaceful mode of protest, as advised by religious leaders nationwide. "The Waqf Act has existed since British rule. Our demand is that the Central government withdraw this new amendment. The Karnataka government has already taken a stand against it, and in the last Assembly session, we decided not to support it," he asserted.
Prominent Islamic scholar Maulana Mohamed Maqsood Imran Rashadi also voiced his concerns, stating that the Waqf Amendment Bill would be tabled in Parliament in the coming days. "We are not using words but symbols—our black bands send a strong message that this move is unacceptable. The Constitution grants us the right to peaceful protest, and we are exercising that right," he said.
Highlighting the spirit of unity during Ramzan, Maulana Rashadi encouraged Muslims to extend gestures of goodwill to members of other communities, including gifting police personnel, neighbors, and healthcare workers. "Just as Hindus and Muslims exchange greetings during festivals, this act strengthens India's tradition of communal harmony," he added.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader participated in the morning prayers at Bavutagadde Idgah Masjid in Mangaluru, though he chose not to wear a black band.