Manipur protests erupt after 2 non-Muslims added to Waqf Board
Manipur is seeing protests after two non-Muslims were added to the state's Waqf Board, which usually manages properties donated by Muslims for religious and community causes.
The demonstrations started in Sora on August 20 and have quickly spread to Lilong and Kshetrigao, with protests led by the Joint Committee Against the Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members in the 8th Waqf Board Manipur (JCAINMM-WB), along with Muslim organizations, local clubs, and civil society groups.
Protesters ignore Yumnam Khemchand Singh's review
Protest leaders say the Waqf Board has traditionally been administered by Muslims, so adding non-Muslim members feels like a break from tradition.
They're carrying signs and warning of bigger statewide protests if their demand isn't met.
Even after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh promised to review things, rallies kept growing; organizers say they're not backing down until the board goes back to its usual setup.