Protests Against Waqf (Amendment) Act in Karnataka
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduced changes that increase government control over Waqf properties and restructure Waqf Boards. In response, over one lakh Muslims protested in Karnataka under the Karnataka State Ulema Coordination Committee, while hundreds also protested at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, organized by ‘Hum Samvidhan Ke Log’. Protesters said that the amendments undermine community rights, reduce autonomy, and dilute constitutional protections. They expressed concerns over increased government control and reduced community representation. Both protests remained peaceful, with demonstrators demanding the repeal of the amendments. The issue is set for a Supreme Court hearing on May 5.
Protests Against Operation Kagar Held Across India
On 21st April 2025, Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha protested against Operation Kagar and the killing of Adivasis in Bastar and other states. These protests were held in various parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. In Chhattisgarh comrades submitted memorandums to the District Collector, Durg and Tahsildar, Karora. As part of the protests, memorandums were addressed to the President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, highlighting that Adivasis have become the victims of collective punishment as the state wages a war against them, and the brutality of Operation Kagar is intended to strip Adivasis of any claim over the forests, land and dignity.
Karnataka Advocates Protest Judges’ Transfer
Senior advocates protested outside the Karnataka High Court against the transfer of four judges. The protest followed the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to transfer seven High Court judges, including four from Karnataka. Lawyers demanded transparency and reconsideration.
Devanahalli Farmers Protest Land Acquisition
Farmers in Devanahalli, Karnataka, have been protesting against the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s (KIADB) acquisition of 1,777 acres of fertile land for over 1,000 days. Recently, tensions escalated when police prevented the farmers from meeting with a minister, leading to a suicide attempt by one of the protesters. The government, however, has sidelined this and issued the final notification of acquisition. This means that the farmers will have to vacate and sell their lands to the government.
Farmers Protest Against U.S. Trade Deal
Thousands of farmers across India protested on April 21 against U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit, opposing a proposed trade agreement that could open India’s agricultural markets to U.S. farm products. Organized by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), demonstrations included slogans like “Vance go back” and “India is not for sale.” Protesters expressed concerns that the agreement would harm India’s agriculture and small industries, particularly the dairy sector, by allowing cheaper U.S. products to flood the market. AIKS warned that such a deal would exacerbate the ongoing crisis in Indian agriculture and increase farmers’ indebtedness. The protests highlight the growing opposition to the government’s approach to international trade negotiations.
