A day after the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha, a handful of Muslims wore black armbands for the second consecutive week in protest as they gathered at city mosques for Friday congregations.
At Gandhi Nagar, a few people were seen wearing black armbands in symbolic protest. “We oppose this bill. Do not implement this law. Our Constitution is already strong, and there is no need for any changes. We stand with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board,” some of the demonstrators said, calling for the government to reconsider.
Elsewhere in the city, prayers proceeded as usual. Most mosques reported no disruption or visible agitation, and participation in the protest remained limited to a small group of individuals. Worshippers in these areas appeared focused on prayer, maintaining the sanctity of the moment without comment on the bill.
Residents who did engage in the symbolic protest insisted on the democratic and peaceful nature of their dissent. They said the black armbands were not meant to cause division but to register their concerns.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which has been spearheading the opposition to the bill, said on Friday that a nationwide protest would soon be launched to push for the revocation of the bill.
Last Friday, a large number of community members had participated in the weekly congregations wearing black armbands to register their disapproval of the provisions, which they believe would result in them ceding control of their religious places.
