A day after a mob torched the residence of the BJP Minority Morcha’s Manipur president, Md Asker Ali Makakmayum, allegedly over his support for the Waqf Amendment Act, the Thoubal district administration on Monday imposed prohibitory orders across the Lilong Assembly constituency.
The order, issued by the district magistrate under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibits gatherings of five or more people and bans the carrying of weapons, including firearms, swords, sticks, and stones. The district order cited concerns over the “sensitive nature” of the issue within Lilong, warning of potential further disturbances that could threaten public peace and safety, PTI reported.
According to PTI, Ali had earlier expressed support for the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, through social media posts on Saturday. The Meitei-Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) leader faced strong backlash from his community for his statements. PTI quoted the Superintendent of Police saying that a crowd of nearly 7,000 to 8,000 people, armed with lathis and stones, stormed and vandalised Ali’s house in the Lilong Sambrukhong Mamei area on Sunday night and set it on fire. According to reports, the mob even prevented the fire brigade and the police from rescue operations. Following the violent incident, the BJP leader was forced to retract his statement and publicly condemn the Act. He posted a video on Facebook apologising for his stance.
Manipur up in arms against the Waqf Act
Protests against the Act erupted across parts of the Imphal Valley on Sunday. In Lilong, a rally involving over 5,000 people disrupted traffic along NH-102, while clashes between demonstrators and security forces were reported in Irong Chesaba and other areas.
Demonstrations were also held in Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, Kiyamgei Muslim areas of Imphal East, and Sora in Thoubal district. Security has been heightened in Muslim-majority areas of the Imphal valley, with additional forces deployed to maintain law and order, officials said.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill is now Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday and cleared by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday following extended debates. On Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent, enacting it into law.
The Act seeks to reform the management of Waqf properties — assets permanently endowed by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. It introduces measures to protect heritage sites, ensure transparency, improve governance, and enhance coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities while safeguarding stakeholder rights.
