Imphal: Tensions flared in Manipur after the residence of Mohammad Asker Ali, President of the BJP Minority Morcha in the state, was set on fire by unidentified miscreants.
The arson attack, which occurred on April 6, came just hours after Ali publicly expressed support for the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill via social media.
Ali, a Meitei-Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) leader from Lilong in Thoubal district, had initially endorsed the Bill, praising its provisions.
However, the post drew immediate backlash from sections of his own community.
Responding to the growing criticism, Ali released a video on Facebook later that evening, apologizing and retracting his support for the legislation.
In the video, Ali, speaking in Manipuri, said, “My name is Asker Ali from Lilong Haoreibi Sambrukhong. I had posted videos and shared my comments on social media on the Waqf Amendment Bill which was recently passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. I feel so sorry for what I have said. Next time I will not do it. I am clarifying that I don’t support the Waqf Amendment Bill and it should be repealed.”
His retraction, widely viewed as an attempt to pacify critics within the community, came just hours before the attack on his home.
Though no injuries were reported, the incident has heightened political and communal sensitivities in the region.
So far, no suspects have been identified, and the Manipur BJP has not released any official comment on the matter.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday and cleared by the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning, introduces sweeping changes in the management and oversight of Waqf properties.
The legislation aims to enhance transparency, protect heritage assets, and align governance with modern administrative practices.
However, it has also stirred concerns among some groups over its perceived implications for religious autonomy.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the arson, while security around political figures in the state has been reportedly tightened in the wake of the incident.
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