Thousands of protestors took to the streets across Manipur demanding the repeal of the Waqf Act, claiming it infringes upon indigenous land rights and promotes religious encroachment. The protest, which unfolded across several districts including Imphal, Thoubal, and Churachandpur, marks one of the largest demonstrations in the state in recent years not directly related to ethnic or insurgency issues.
The Waqf Act, originally enacted in 1995 and amended in 2024, is meant to manage and regulate properties dedicated to religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community. However, the application of this law in northeastern states, especially Manipur, has triggered significant backlash. Indigenous and civil society groups argue that it poses a serious threat to community land ownership and disrupts the fragile socio-cultural fabric of the region.
Unified Call for Repeal
Carrying placards with slogans such as “Repeal the Waqf Act,” “Protect Indigenous Land,” and “No Religious Encroachment,” demonstrators—comprising tribal councils, Meitei organizations, student unions, and local residents—marched in peaceful processions, culminating in large public meetings. Protesters accused the central government of imposing a law that, according to them, is unsuitable for the region’s unique demographic and land ownership systems.
Speakers at the rallies claimed that several community-owned lands in Manipur had either been declared or eyed for declaration as Waqf properties without proper consultation or verification. They alleged that this practice not only violates local autonomy but also fuels communal tension in a state already grappling with fragile inter-community relationships.
Historical and Legal Tensions
Land in Manipur, like in many parts of the Northeast, is deeply tied to tribal identity and customary laws. Indigenous communities are wary of any legislation that might allow the central government or religious institutions to claim communal or ancestral land under a national framework. The application of the Waqf Act in this context has been viewed as a potential mechanism for land acquisition that bypasses traditional landholding norms.
Legal experts note that while the Waqf Act was designed with the intent of protecting religious endowments, its blanket implementation in diverse states with distinct land laws creates friction. Many northeastern states, including Nagaland and Mizoram, enjoy special constitutional protections that exempt them from certain central laws. Protesters are demanding similar exclusions for Manipur.
Government’s Response and Political Reactions
So far, the Manipur state government has remained cautious in its public response. While officials have assured the protestors that no arbitrary land takeover would be allowed, they have not commented on the demand for complete repeal of the Act in the state. The silence has led to growing frustration among community leaders, who warn that if their concerns are not addressed, the protests will escalate into a sustained movement.
The political ramifications are also significant. Opposition parties have criticized both the state and central governments for their inaction and insensitivity toward local sentiment. They argue that ignoring indigenous concerns in pursuit of a uniform national policy undermines federalism and could deepen alienation in the region.
Civil Society’s Role
Several local civil society groups have played a key role in organizing and amplifying the protests. They have launched awareness campaigns through social media and town hall meetings to educate citizens about the implications of the Waqf Act. Petitions have also been submitted to the Governor and central ministries demanding immediate review and regional exemption of the law.
The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), both influential local bodies, have lent their support to the protests and called for unity across communities to protect indigenous rights.
The massive protest against the Waqf Act in Manipur is not merely a local agitation—it reflects broader anxieties about identity, land, and federalism in India’s northeastern frontier. As tensions simmer, the onus is now on the central and state governments to engage with stakeholders, clarify the scope and implementation of the law, and ensure that constitutional and cultural safeguards are respected. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the protests fizzle out or transform into a larger political movement demanding autonomy over land and legislative rights.