The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has triggered protests across India, reflecting deep-seated concerns about its far-reaching implications. In states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, numerous organizations and community leaders have mobilized in opposition to the proposed amendments. More protests are being announced.
AIMPLB, an august body representing Indian Muslims, includes members from diverse theological backgrounds, professional luminaries, and women leaders. Given its vast reach and the financial and human resources of its constituent organizations, it could realistically “fill the jails,” as some of its leaders have claimed. Whether they are truly willing to mobilize at such a scale remains to be seen.
Public demonstrations against government policies serve three key purposes: expressing dissent and raising awareness, mobilizing political and social support, and demanding change. They provide a platform for citizens to voice opposition, highlight overlooked issues, and apply pressure on authorities. When well-organized, protests strengthen movements, influence public opinion, and ultimately drive policy changes or government accountability. Such public expressions are crucial for any community with limited political leverage.
AIMPLB first announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on March 13, coinciding with the anticipated tabling of the bill in Parliament. It was later rescheduled to March 17, a good decision to avoid distractions during Holi celebrations, though this adjustment should have been made from the outset. The delayed correction does not inspire confidence in AIMPLB’s leadership.
While Jantar Mantar is a common protest site, it has historically hosted demonstrations on far less critical issues. The gravity of the Waqf issue warrants a more prominent venue, such as Ramlila Maidan, to accommodate a larger gathering and emphasize the community’s unified stance. If this protest is merely the beginning of a sustained movement, the choice of venue may be reasonable. However, if it turns out to be the only protest, it risks being seen as a token gesture—a symbolic effort allowing major organizations and leaders to later claim, “We protested.”
One can envision protests of 1 lakh people in three large cities, 50,000 in 10 medium cities, 10,000 in 25 smaller cities, and smaller protests across various towns simultaneously. Such a decentralized yet coordinated approach ensures a sustained presence in multiple regions, making it clear that the issue is of national concern rather than confined to a few pockets. If the history of Babri Masjid is any reference, the issue of Waqf is likely to persist for years. A single large protest or occasional demonstrations would only be symbolic or cathartic, expressing frustration rather than building lasting momentum.
Leadership and Youth Mobilization
Youth leaders and organizers would undoubtedly be eager to do the groundwork and coordinate efforts if AIMPLB invites them. However, the youth should not wait for such an invitation. Instead, they should take the initiative—volunteering, visiting AIMPLB offices, and engaging with other organizations. In dire times like these, whoever reaches out first will prove to be the bigger person. One thing is certain: unless the internal schism is resolved, the very community that both senior and young leaders claim to serve will suffer the consequences.
In the aftermath of the CAA protests and Shaheen Bagh demonstrations, many young leaders have faced prolonged incarceration and persecution simply for exercising their constitutional rights. Regrettably, senior organizations largely remained on the sidelines and have since failed to advocate for their release or even acknowledge their sacrifices. One wonders whether this, at least in part, has contributed to the deeply troubling apathy among the younger generation of Indian Muslims toward opposing the Waqf amendments. A unified effort in the Waqf movement could leave these divisions behind and pave the way for a more promising future. Younger leaders have far more at stake if the current tensions persist.
Historically, successful movements thrive when younger generations take ownership, rather than relying solely on established institutions. The issue of Waqf and Muslim heritage in India is not just about history—it directly affects the economic, religious, and social future of Indian Muslim youth. It is incumbent upon senior leaders and organizations to take the first step, and this outreach must extend beyond family networks. If leadership remains confined to sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews, it is doomed to fail and exposes the priorities of those in power.
- Does it send a clear message to young leaders: Lead at your own peril?
- Does it reflect insecurity within the senior leadership regarding the rising influence of younger activists, particularly women, who played a pivotal role in mobilizing the anti-CAA movement?
- Is it a failure to mentor and support emerging leaders whom they can confidently encourage to take charge?
- Or, more troublingly, is it an attempt to preserve leadership and organizational control within a select group—possibly within family lines?
Whatever the reason, the absence of strong support for young activists not only discourages them but also weakens the broader movement. If the community’s leadership fails to stand by its most courageous voices, it risks alienating a generation that could otherwise drive meaningful change.
The Role of Political Leaders
Muslim leaders affiliated with political parties often prioritize party allegiance over community interests. This is glaringly evident among Muslim politicians in BJP, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], where personal ambitions take precedence over the community’s welfare. One even wonders if this self-serving approach extends to so-called “Muslim” political parties as well. Often, short-term personal benefits are justified at the expense of strategic, long-term community interests.
A Defining Choice for Emerging Leaders
Emerging leaders now face a pivotal choice:
- Actively shape the community’s future through engagement, leadership, and accountability, or
- 2. Remain passive, allowing an aging and compromised leadership to dictate their fate.
While some senior leaders have demonstrated courage and made sacrifices, the broader leadership’s inertia is deeply troubling. The post-Babri Masjid generation must engage proactively, communicate transparently, and prioritize collective well-being over individual power struggles. Time does not afford the next cohort of leaders the luxury of vacillation or indecision. If the situation demands a platform for younger leaders to unite, it must be established within a transparent framework, ensuring trust and credibility rather than competition with existing structures.
A Long Term Strategy, Not Just a Protest
The Babri Masjid dispute has shown that issues related to Muslim heritage and rights in India do not fade away—they evolve. The Waqf issue will persist for years. Protests must not be reactionary or sporadic but rather part of a long-term strategy that keeps the Muslim community engaged and vigilant.
AIMPLB must take the lead in organizing and coordinating protests, ensuring they are not just symbolic but backed by:
- Sustained visibility in the media and public discourse
- Clear messaging that counters government rhetoric and misinformation
- Regular demonstrations, legal advocacy, and intellectual discourse
A mix of on-ground mobilization and digital advocacy will amplify the impact, ensuring that voices are heard both nationally and internationally.
Beyond AIMPLB, grassroots organizations, student groups, and local leaders must keep the issue alive at multiple levels. The key to success lies in persistence and consistency, making it clear that concerns over Waqf properties are not just another passing controversy but a fundamental issue of religious and historical significance that Indian Muslims will not allow to be erased or diluted.
A Call to Action for the Youth
While AIMPLB is in a position to lead and mobilize the community, whether they will demonstrate the courage to do so remains to be seen. Indian Muslim youth and emerging leaders must recognize that this struggle is more relevant to their future than to senior leaders. They must not wait for an invitation to participate but should proactively reach out to AIMPLB and other senior figures, demonstrating their commitment publicly and with determination.
This intergenerational collaboration—where experienced leadership provides direction while youth drive momentum—can create a resilient, sustained, and effective movement for safeguarding Waqf properties and broader Muslim rights in India. More fundamental rights issues are offing like Universal Civil Code (UCC), Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 and So on. Good time for youth to organize and strategize.
Rasheed Ahmed is a co-founder and former President of the Indian American Muslim Council(IAMC), and is currently serving as the organization’s Executive Director. He is also a Co-Founder and former President of the US India Policy Institute. IAMC is the largest US-based advocacy organization of Indian American Muslims. Views are personal.
