Bhatkal: The nationwide "Lights-Off Movement" launched by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 witnessed strong participation in Bhatkal on Wednesday night, as Muslim-majority areas switched off lights at 9 PM in a symbolic show of protest.
Responding to AIMPLB’s call to turn off lights from 9:00 to 9:15 PM, local social organization Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem played a key role in raising awareness through announcements in over 100 mosques. The Tanzeem also urged residents to express their opposition to the controversial law recently enacted by the central government.
At 9 PM sharp, lights were switched off in homes, shops, and establishments across areas such as Sultan Street, Jamia Street, Khalifa Street, Ghausia Street, Farooqi Street, Main Road, Marikatta, Car Street, Qidwai Road, Mushma Street, Siddique Street, Nawayath Colony, Maqdoom Colony, Madina Colony, Azad Nagar, Kargedde, Jamia Abad Road, and other localities. The 15-minute coordinated blackout ended with lights being restored at 9:15 PM.
Many residents marked the moment by offering special prayers, seeking divine protection for religious rights. Protesters described the new law as unconstitutional and incompatible with Islamic principles, demanding its immediate repeal.
Tanzeem General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. Nadvi and Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation General Secretary Mubasshir Hussain Hallare expressed gratitude to the public for their support and affirmed continued participation in future peaceful protests under the guidance of the AIMPLB.
