A mob set fire to the house of Asker Ali, president of the BJP Minority Morcha in Manipur, in Lilong, Thoubal district on Sunday night, allegedly in retaliation to his public support for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, officials said.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 9 p.m., shortly after Ali had expressed support for the Act in a social media post on Saturday. The post sparked outrage in the locality, culminating in a crowd gathering outside his residence. The mob reportedly vandalised the property before setting it ablaze, officials confirmed.
In a video statement released later that evening, Ali apologised for his earlier remarks and stated he no longer supported the controversial legislation.
The attack came against the backdrop of growing protests across the Imphal Valley, where demonstrations against the Act gathered momentum throughout the day. In Lilong alone, more than 5,000 people participated in a rally that disrupted traffic on National Highway 102.
Scuffles between protesters and security personnel were reported in several locations, including Irong Chesaba, where demonstrators attempted to breach police lines.
“The Waqf Amendment Act is against the ethos of the Constitution. It is completely unacceptable for the Muslim community,” said Sakir Ahmed, a protester participating in one of the rallies.
Demonstrations also took place in Kshatri Awang Leikai, Kairang Muslim, and Kiyamgei Muslim areas in Imphal East, as well as Sora in Thoubal district, among others.
In response to the unrest, security has been stepped up across Muslim-dominated localities, with additional forces deployed to prevent further violence.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and cleared by the Rajya Sabha early Friday after extensive debates in both Houses of Parliament. It received Presidential assent from Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.
The Act seeks to streamline the administration of Waqf properties—assets permanently dedicated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes—while introducing provisions for heritage site protection, improved coordination with local authorities, and greater transparency in governance.
Despite the government’s assurances, sections of the Muslim community have voiced strong opposition to the legislation, viewing it as an infringement on religious rights and community autonomy.
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