Thoubal: Manipur tensions spiraled out of control on Sunday evening when an enraged mob torched the home of BJP Minority Morcha President Asker Ali Makakmayum, in a blazing reaction against his open backing of the divisive Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The act of arson shook the air at around 8 PM at Lilong Haoreibi Sambrumakhong in Thoubal district and has caused a ripple effect through the state’s already delicate political and communal setup.
As reported by eyewitnesses and local reports, the confrontation was instigated by a Facebook update from Asker Ali, where he expressed loud support for the Waqf Amendment Bill and called upon people to look at it as a reforming action and not a political gambit. His update, which contained the words “Welcome Bill, We Support WAB,” had just followed the bill having got parliamentary approval and Presidential consent on April 5.
The bill, which has sparked a tempest of arguments across the country, has been especially delicate in areas that are demographically complicated by religion such as Manipur. The bill had cleared both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha after hectic discussions over three days.
But it was the seal of approval from Asker Ali, a leading Muslim leader who is affiliated with the BJP, that set fire to the already smoldering embers. In hours, indignation swept social media and local networks, culminating in violent backlash on Sunday night.
Videos shared online show parts of Asker Ali’s residence engulfed in flames as locals gathered around, some reportedly hurling stones and shouting slogans against the bill and the BJP leadership. Security forces arrived on the scene soon after to bring the situation under control. Thankfully, no injuries or casualties have been reported.
Asker Ali, in the wake of the attack, posted a video apology on Facebook, clearly distraught and apologetic. “I withdraw my previous support for the Waqf Amendment Bill. I did not intend to offend the sentiments of any community,” he stated. He also called upon the Central Government to withdraw the bill and offered a sincere apology to the Muslim and Meitei Pangal community of Manipur.
The apology, though, has failed to quench the fires of outrage engulfing the region. Political commentators point out that this episode could be a symptom of a deeper chasm within the BJP’s minority outreach initiatives in the Northeast, and could have far-reaching consequences.
The central leadership of the BJP has not made an official statement yet, and state leaders are said to be evaluating the ground situation. Security has meanwhile been tightened in Lilong and the surrounding areas to avoid further escalation.
As the controversy surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill continues to divide opinions nationwide, the violent backlash in Manipur highlights just how volatile the nexus of religion, politics, and identity can get—particularly in a region as sensitive and diverse as the Northeast.
The post Manipur Erupts in Rage: BJP Minority Morcha Chief Asker Ali’s House Torched Over Support for Waqf Bill appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
