Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 18: A massive protest unfolded near National Highway 73 in Kannur, Mangaluru, as thousands gathered under the banner of the Karnataka Ulema Federation to oppose the Central Government’s proposed Waqf Amendment Act.
The event, held after Friday prayers, was led by Dakshina Kannada District Qazi Twakha Ahmad Musliyar and Udupi Qazi Mani Ustad.
With tricolour flags waving from rooftops and treetops, the air resonated with chants of “Allahu Akbar” and “Azadi”. The large-scale mobilization was organised with military-like discipline — only the national flag was allowed, and slogans were limited to those announced from the stage.
Organisers made arrangements for outstation attendees, including food at nearby mosques. As expected, the venue filled up well ahead of schedule, with people streaming in directly from mosques following the Jumma prayers.
Security tightened, highway gridlocked
Anticipating a massive turnout, police had deployed extensive security — five Superintendents of Police, 20 DySPs, several Inspectors, and over 40 platoons of reserve forces, including KSRP and armed police. Officers with prior experience in Mangaluru were specially brought in from other districts.
While the police had initially announced a closure of NH-73 between 12 pm and 9 pm, the Karnataka High Court overturned the decision after a resident challenged it.
The court ruled that public highways cannot be blocked for protests. Despite the ruling, heavy congestion from B C Road to Padil left many vehicles stranded. Volunteers struggled to create paths for ambulances, while some attendees couldn’t even reach the venue due to the traffic snarl.
Business boom and street discipline
Traders seized the opportunity, lining the route with stalls selling snacks and beverages — often at inflated rates. Despite the crowd, volunteers maintained order, frequently reminding attendees to avoid blocking roads or shouting unauthorized slogans.
Leaders speak out against Amendment
In a strongly worded speech, B K Abdul Khadir Al Qasimi Bambraan condemned Prime Minister Modi’s earlier statement suggesting that better use of Waqf properties would have kept Muslims from working as puncture repairers.
Calling it a divisive remark, he said, “This isn’t said with love, but with the intent to create division. Our heritage includes the Taj Mahal and Charminar — we’ve contributed greatly to India’s identity.”
He praised West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for refusing to implement the Act and added, “This protest is only the beginning. We place our faith in the Supreme Court.”
Shafi Saadi, former Waqf Board president, clarified that the movement is not against any religion or caste, but a constitutional fight against those undermining minority rights.
“The ones who forced us onto the streets will face the public on May 5,” he said. “No Waqf board has taken over temples or farmlands. Just like in the Shah Bano case, we will fight until this law is rolled back.”
Taking a historical perspective, Abdul Aziz Darimi urged people not to belittle Islamic scholars. “Don’t mock Mullahs,” he said.
“They gave their lives in the freedom struggle, endured Kala Pani sentences, and issued fatwas for the nation's cause. No matter how many times you push us down, we will rise. The dream of a Muslim-free India will remain unfulfilled,” he added.