Demand for withdrawal of Govt orders forming a committee

Imphal: The Manipur-based Minorities Students Association (MSA) has strongly condemned and demanded the immediate withdrawal, government order forming a committee to revise the Manipur Waqf Rules. The MSA labels the committee "fundamentally flawed, non-representative, and illegitimate," asserting that it constitutes an "unconstitutional" attempt to prematurely implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which is currently under judicial review by the Supreme Court. The MSA contends that the committee largely excludes members of the Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) community, particularly Waqf scholars and legal experts, thus lacking authentic representation. They argue that revising Waqf rules without the participation of the Muslim community violates Articles 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs) and 29 (protection of cultural and educational rights) of the Indian Constitution. The MSA views the move as an attempt to undermine the religious heritage of minorities through bureaucratic means. The Pangal community has already expressed strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and MSA has called on MLAs to publicly state their positions, warning of potential mass protests and a breakdown of peace if their demands are not met. The MSA's demands include immediate withdrawal of the order, a complete suspension of actions related to Waqf rules revision until the Supreme Court's judgment, reconstitution of a new committee with authentic representation from the Pangal community, and assurance from the government that existing Waqf Rules will not be altered without full community consultation. The association emphasizes its commitment to mobilize the community through peaceful and democratic means if its demands are not fulfilled.