The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has postponed its Bharat Bandh planned for October 3, which was part of the second phase of its nationwide protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. The decision followed an emergency meeting of the Board’s office-bearers, chaired by AIMPLB president Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani.
Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson and national convener of the Save Waqf Campaign, said the bandh was deferred due to overlapping religious festivals in several states. “Reports indicated that religious observances coincide with October 3 in some regions. After consultations, the Board unanimously decided to postpone the bandh,” he said.
The Bharat Bandh, originally scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., had called for the closure of shops, offices, and commercial establishments, with essential services such as hospitals and pharmacies exempted. AIMPLB said new dates for the nationwide shutdown would be announced soon.
Despite the postponement, AIMPLB reaffirmed that its agitation against the Waqf Amendment Act would continue. “The Bharat Bandh stands postponed, but Insha’Allah, new dates will be declared shortly. The movement against the anti-Waqf law will proceed as planned,” Dr. Ilyas said.
The Board has been campaigning across India, claiming that the Waqf Amendment Act undermines the autonomy of Waqf institutions and infringes on the rights of the Muslim community. Its phased agitation has included public meetings, rallies, signature drives, and other protest activities across several states.
The decision to defer the bandh comes amid concerns to avoid disruption during religious observances, highlighting AIMPLB’s effort to balance protest with community sensitivities.
The nationwide shutdown was intended to reinforce the Board’s demand for protection of Waqf properties and ensure proper governance of these religious endowments. Although the bandh has been postponed, AIMPLB insists the campaign will continue until its demands are addressed.
Supporters and followers have been urged to stay updated on forthcoming announcements and participate in protest activities in a peaceful and orderly manner.
