New Delhi: Muslim communities across India staged a 15-minute blackout to protest the controversial Waqf Amendment Act, as organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). The demonstration, dubbed ‘Batti Gul’ (lights off), saw significant participation in cities such as New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

Homes, mosques, and businesses in predominantly Muslim areas turned off their lights in a show of unity and dissent. Reports indicated widespread compliance, with many neighborhoods experiencing near-total darkness during the protest.

In Mumbai, districts like Jogeshwari and Andheri participated extensively. Hafiz Iqbal Chunawala of the AIMPLB noted, “About 95% of residents in Muslim areas heeded the call. This unity will eventually lead the government and Supreme Court to take notice.”

Raza Academy’s Muhammad Saeed Noori confirmed extensive participation in Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar and Byculla areas. He remarked, “Imams, scholars, and citizens came together for this protest.”

In Hyderabad, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi joined residents in switching off lights, particularly in Abids and the Old City. Social media activist Syed Abdahu Kashaf shared a video online, emphasizing Hyderabad’s unified stance against the amendments.

Visuals of similar protests emerged from other cities, including Old Delhi and towns in Bihar. Social media was abuzz with posts from participants, including independent journalist Irfan Khan, who shared footage from Hyderabad.

In Bhiwandi and Kalyan, neighborhoods reported almost complete participation, with lights switched off in mosques and public spaces. The AIMPLB warns that the Waqf Amendment Act threatens to remove community control over waqf properties like mosques and charitable trusts. Spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas emphasized that this protest is part of a broader campaign, including public meetings and discussions on national levels.