Veteran Leader Okram Ibobi Singh Challenges Waqf Act in Supreme Court
In a bold move to protect the rights of indigenous people in Manipur, senior Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh announced on Sunday that the Manipur unit of the party is gearing up to file a petition with the Supreme Court against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. With a firm stance against what he deems a violation of the Constitution, the former three-time Chief Minister minced no words in expressing his opposition to the Act, citing concerns over the erosion of India’s secular fabric.
Singh’s fervent declaration was not without weight, as he highlighted the perceived injustices faced by Muslims and other minorities under the current NDA Government. Emphasizing the need for the Congress to take a stand, he asserted, “We are totally opposed to this Act. India is a secular nation, but the present government is attacking minorities.” The State unit of the Congress is now mobilizing its resources to mount a legal challenge against the legislation, with plans underway for a team to journey to Delhi and present their case before the apex court by Wednesday.
Questioning the recent imposition of President’s rule in Manipur, Singh expressed skepticism towards the ruling BJP’s motives, questioning their failure to form a government despite having the requisite numbers. “We are not in favour of the President’s rule in Manipur. Imposing the President’s rule shows that they could not rule the state and are not capable of upholding law and order,” he remarked. The political landscape in Manipur remains fraught with uncertainty as the opposition party grapples with the implications of central intervention.
In a bid to promote communal harmony and unity among diverse ethnic groups in the region, Singh also made a heartfelt appeal to the Kuki community to reconsider their opposition to the annual pilgrimage of Meiteis to the Thangjing hills in Churachandpur district. Drawing on the shared heritage and long-standing coexistence of various communities in Manipur, he underscored the importance of unity in diversity. “Whether Kuki, Naga, Muslim, or Meitei, we have been living together in Manipur since time immemorial,” he reflected. The essence of his message was clear: indigenous peoples must stand together in solidarity, despite their differences.
The call for unity reverberated against the backdrop of mounting tensions, as at least six Kuki bodies had voiced their dissent against the Meitei community’s traditional pilgrimage to Thangjing Hills. Singh’s plea for inclusivity and mutual understanding serves as a beacon of hope in a landscape marked by discord and division. As Manipur grapples with the complexities of identity and belonging, his words resonate with a timeless wisdom that transcends political divides.
As the wheels of justice begin to turn, the fate of the Waqf Act hangs in the balance, awaiting the scrutiny of the highest court in the land. In the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court, the clash of ideologies and principles will unfold, shaping the destiny of a nation grappling with its core values and commitments. In the crucible of legal battles and political strife, the voices of the marginalized and dispossessed find resonance, echoing the timeless struggle for justice and equality. Let us watch as history unfolds, guided by the steady hand of justice and the unwavering spirit of those who dare to speak truth to power.
Stay tuned as the saga continues to unfold, revealing the intricate tapestry of human endeavor and resilience in the face of adversity. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the indomitable spirit of the people of Manipur will prevail, forging a path towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all who call this land their home.
