Guwahati: A formidable mob set on fire the residence of the BJP Minority Morcha-Manipur president, Asker Ali, on Sunday night after he publicly endorsed the Waqf Amendment Act, officials said.
The incident occurred at approximately 9 pm in Lilong, Thoubal district of Manipur.
Sources indicate the mob initially ransacked Ali’s dwelling before setting it ablaze.
Previously, Ali’s social media post on Saturday supporting the Waqf Act agitated several organisations opposing the Waqf Act in Manipur.
Following Sunday night’s incident, Ali subsequently shared a video on social media retracting his statement. Ali indicated he no longer endorsed the Act, reports stated.
Subsequently, the Thoubal district administration implemented prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in Lilong on Monday.
The district magistrate’s directive prohibits gatherings of five or more individuals and the possession of firearms, swords, sticks, stones or other lethal weapons by civilians with immediate effect.
Reports suggest that on Sunday night, approximately 7,000-8,000 protesters, wielding lathis and stones, besieged Asker Ali’s residence in Lilong Sambrukhong Mamei area.
Over 5,000 individuals joined a protest march, disrupting traffic on NH-102 at Lilong on Sunday. Protesters clashed with security forces in various locations in Thoubal.
Protests emerged in Manipur against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, recently ratified by President Droupadi Murmu. Muslims in Manipur demonstrated in Imphal and other regions, expressing robust opposition to the contentious Act.
Demonstrations occurred in Muslim-majority areas in districts including Thoubal and Kakching on Sunday. Members of Islamic Students’ Association (ISA), All Sora Students’ Union (ASSU), and Manipur Federal Organisation (MFO) participated in the protest, chanting slogans and bearing placards, expressing concerns regarding the bill’s potential influence on Muslim community rights and autonomy.
