AIMPLB urges nationwide 'lights out' on April 30 to protest Waqf Act amendments
NEW DELHI: The All India
Muslim Personal Law Board
(
AIMPLB
) has urged citizens across the country to switch off the lights of their homes, offices, and businesses on Wednesday from 9pm to 9.15pm in protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas said the Board had launched a nationwide movement on April 10 against the "discriminatory and constitutionally incompatible" amendments made to the Waqf Act.
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"As part of this campaign, various programmes are being organised across the country. So far, several large public meetings have been held in various cities, and roundtable meetings have been conducted with fellow citizens and civil society. "At the district level, protests, demonstrations and human chain programmes have also taken place," he said.
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He said that on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 9 PM to 9:15 PM, a nationwide "lights out" programme will be held. As a mark of solidarity with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the Pahalgam terror attack, the AIMPLB had suspended its campaign against the "controversial amendments" to the Waqf Act for three days starting April 23. Ilyas stated that while the "lights out" programme is symbolic in appearance, it will serve as a "powerful expression of protest by the country's Muslims and all justice-loving people, united against these dark amendments".
The Board appealed to all citizens to stand against what it called governmental "injustice and oppression" and to demonstrate unity by turning off the lights of their homes, shops, offices, and business centres for just 15 minutes at 9 PM on April 30. "We hope this small sacrifice will have an extraordinary impact. Try to ensure that no home, shop, or centre is left out of this campaign," Ilyas said.
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