Muslim Bandhavya Vedike Unveils Rigorous 17‑Point Code for Principled Protests Against the Waqf Amendment Act
ವಕ್ಫ್ ತಿದ್ದುಪಡಿ ಕಾಯ್ದೆ ವಿರುದ್ಧದ ಹೋರಾಟ- ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಸಮುದಾಯ ಅನುಸರಿಸಬೇಕಾದ ನೀತಿಗಳು
Here are the Vedike’s Seventeen-point code of conduct for Muslim protests against the Waqf Amendment Act.:
1. Framing the Narrative
“Remember that the central government, media and communal outfits are trying to portray our struggle as anti‑Hindu.” The Vedike urges protesters to proactively explain “why Muslims are demonstrating,” detailing the discriminatory provisions in the Waqf law.
Interpretation: By owning the narrative, organizers can preempt misinformation and focus attention on legal grievances rather than sectarian divisions.
2. Clear, Public Information
“Each mosque should print and distribute informative leaflets for the public on the draconian Waqf Act.” Similarly, it recommends organising large-scale meetings to explain “the government’s ulterior motives” behind the new mosque‑construction controls.
Interpretation: Broad, mosque‑level outreach ensures accurate facts reach beyond core activists, building wider civic awareness.
3. Language and Conduct During Demonstrations
“Ensure no inconvenience to bystanders” and “do not use abusive, anti‑community or irrelevant slogans.” Only the national flag may be displayed, and protests should avoid “gathering before other communities’ places of worship.”
Interpretation: Emphasising respectful behaviour minimises backlash and upholds the movement’s credibility.
4. Organizational Structure and Leadership
“Form teams in every taluk, training them through community jurists to convey injustices… politely to other groups.” Senior and respected figures should personally invite neutral civic leaders to join the cause.
Interpretation: Decentralised cells backed by authoritative spokespeople can foster discipline while extending invitations for cross‑community support.
5. Media and Messaging Discipline
“Exercise caution when speaking to the media—remember some outlets seek your errors,” and “only those with subject‑matter knowledge should address the public.” On social platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, monitor pages spreading misinformation “and prevent false narratives.”
Interpretation: Strict media guidelines protect against misquotation or sensationalism, while digital vigilance guards the online discourse.
6. Historical Context and Political Analysis
“Expose not only the new Waqf Act but also past government conspiracies around the ‘talaq masjid’ case,” and through leaflets and speeches, lay bare the “political agenda behind anti‑Muslim laws.” Protesters are reminded that “if this struggle fails, even harsher laws may follow.”
Interpretation: By situating the current amendment within a longer pattern of legal measures, the Vedike underscores the stakes of the movement.
7. Unity and Compliance with Authorities
“Remain united—Sunni, Shia, Salafi, Tablighi, Ahle Hadith and others must reject factionalism,” and “strictly adhere to police directions; remain composed if disagreements arise.”
Interpretation: A cohesive front, coupled with lawful cooperation, aims to safeguard the protest’s peaceful character and moral high ground.
8. Personal Outreach to Civic Leaders
“Invite respected elders and key figures from our community to personally meet non‑sectarian, cross‑community leaders and request their support.”
Interpretation: Engaging neutral civic voices through face‑to‑face appeals helps broaden the movement’s legitimacy and underscores its rights‑based, not sectarian, nature.
9. Public Forums on Government Motives
“Organize large‑scale gatherings to inform the public about the government’s true intentions behind the new mosque‑construction restrictions.”
Interpretation: By convening open assemblies, the Vedike seeks to demystify the amendment’s hidden objectives and rally sympathetic opinion across wider society.
10. Uncovering the Political Agenda
“Conduct in‑depth studies on the political motives fueling anti‑Muslim biases, then disseminate findings via pamphlets, speeches and solidarity rallies.”
Interpretation: Framing the amendment within a broader political strategy highlights systemic patterns, cautioning that today’s law may be tomorrow’s template for further curbs.
11. Online Vigilance Against Misinformation
“Monitor WhatsApp and Facebook for individuals or pages spreading falsehoods about Muslims in relation to Waqf, and prevent the spread of such propaganda.”
Interpretation: Digital surveillance of hate content is crucial to protect community reputation and counteract viral rumors before they distort public perception.
12. Historical Record of State Conspiracies
“Publicize not only the new Waqf regulations, but also past government intrigues—such as the ‘talaq masjid’ case—and the number of pending legal battles.”
Interpretation: Revealing a continuum of targeted measures underscores the amendment’s place in a longer trajectory of legal marginalization.
13. Media Caution
“Exercise exceptional care when speaking to the media—remember that some outlets are poised to highlight any misstep.”
Interpretation: Media discipline reduces the risk of sensational headlines and ensures that coverage accurately reflects protesters’ lawful grievances.
14. Expert Spokespersons Only
“Allow only those with thorough subject‑matter knowledge of the Waqf issue to address public gatherings.”
Interpretation: Restricting spokesperson duties to informed individuals minimizes factual errors and reinforces the protest’s credibility.
15. Sole Use of the National Flag
“Display only the country’s flag during demonstrations.”
Interpretation: Emphasising the national emblem conveys patriotism, counters allegations of separatism, and unites participants under a shared identity.
16. Respect for Other Faiths’ Sacred Spaces
“Avoid shouting slogans or staging protests in front of any other community’s prayer venues.”
Interpretation: Respecting religious boundaries prevents communal friction and strengthens the movement’s image as principled, not provocative.
17. Language and Tone in Mosque Speeches
“Do not deliver fiery sermons in mosques or use languages—such as Urdu, Malayalam or regional dialects—that non‑speakers may misinterpret.”
Interpretation: Clear, temperate messaging in widely understood languages helps prevent miscommunication and unintentional offense.
18. Sectarian Unity—No Factionalism
“Remain united—Sunni, Shia, Salafi, Tablighi, Ahle Hadith, Jamaat‑e‑Islami, political parties and linguistic groups alike—and do not encourage internal divisions during protests.”
Interpretation: A singular, undivided front strengthens negotiating power and dispels any suggestion of internal discord.
19. Compliance with Police Directives
“Strictly follow police instructions during demonstrations, and exercise restraint if disagreements arise.”
Interpretation: Lawful cooperation with authorities preserves the protest’s peaceful character and guards against unnecessary escalation.
