Blackout in Agra Over Waqf Law Row, Protest Echoes AIMPLB's Delhi Call

Agra (The Uttam Hindu): In a symbolic protest against the implementation of the Waqf Amendment Act, several Muslim-dominated areas in Agra observed a 15-minute blackout on Wednesday night. The lights were turned off at 9 PM following an appeal made by the All India Muslim Personal Waqf Board during a recent gathering of Ulemas in Delhi.

As darkness suddenly spread across areas like Mantola, Dholikhar, Nai ki Mandi, Besan Basti (Loha Mandi), Syedpada, Azampada (Shahganj), Shaheed Nagar (Sadar), and Tajganj, local police became alert and patrolled the streets to monitor the situation.

The protest was peaceful and limited to turning off lights in homes and establishments. The step was taken in response to the Waqf Amendment Bill, which has now been passed into law. A petition challenging the law has already been filed in the Supreme Court and is scheduled for hearing on May 5.

Local leaders Dr. Siraj Qureshi, President of Hindustani Biradari, and Adnan Qureshi, President of Mantola Market Committee, confirmed that residents had switched off their lights as a mark of protest following the appeal made by the Muslim Personal Waqf Board. The protest highlights growing discontent within the community over the changes brought by the amendment, with concerns being raised over the control and management of Waqf properties under the revised act.