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Attempt to divide people: Waqf JPC chief slams AIMPLB’s Shaheen Bagh warning

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New Delhi, March 17: As the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) intensified its protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), on Monday slammed the Muslim body for its warning of a “Shaheen Bagh-like protest,” calling it an attempt to divide people.

AIMPLB staged another demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, alleging that the government is conspiring to seize Waqf properties. The protest saw participation from eleven opposition parties, including the Congress. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Salman Khurshid also participated in the protest.

However, AIMPLB’s approach has drawn criticism from within the community as well, with Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi accusing the board of being hijacked by political interests rather than focusing on real Muslim issues.

Reacting to AIMPLB’s stance, Pal told media, “They have been opposing this bill from the very beginning. Despite this, we invited the All India Muslim Personal Law Board to present their views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Owaisi Sahab was also a member. We listened to everyone for 3-4 hours and recorded the opinions of every stakeholder from different states.”

Earlier, AIMPLB member Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas had warned, “If the bill is implemented, the entire country will witness a protest like Shaheen Bagh.”

Notably, Ilyas is the father of former JNU scholar and student activist Umar Khalid, who has been behind bars since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the “larger conspiracy” case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.

Slamming such remarks, Pal asserted that the JPC report was prepared after extensive consultations.

“We considered every stakeholder’s viewpoint before drafting the report. This law aims to protect Waqf properties from individuals who misuse them and prevent the benefits from reaching poor Muslims, women, and widows. The bill hasn’t even been passed yet, and they are already calling for a Shaheen Bagh-like situation. This is a well-planned attempt to divide people, just like during the Article 370 and Triple Talaq debates,” he said.

Pal pointed to the positive impact of past government decisions, stating, “Today, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a tourism boom and economic prosperity. Similarly, the abolition of Triple Talaq has given minority women a new sense of security, and they are thankful to PM Modi for this historic decision.”

Defending the democratic process behind the bill, he added, “In a democracy, the power to make laws lies with the elected representatives of the people. The government introduced this bill and had the majority to pass it directly in Parliament.”

“However, instead of rushing it, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju proposed referring it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. This was done to ensure that Muslim organisations across the country, including those now protesting, were heard, and a fair and balanced law was created.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce reforms such as digitization, enhanced audits, transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

While the government argues that it aims to protect Waqf assets and benefit the underprivileged, the opposition and AIMPLB remain firm in their resistance, setting the stage for further confrontations over the bill.

National News

Mumbai Rains: Water Stock Levels In City’s Seven Lakes Reaches 96.74%; Heavy Downpours Expected Till September 1

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Mumbai: The Hydraulic Engineer’s Department has reported a significant rise in lake levels supplying water to Mumbai, with total water stock across the seven major lakes reaching 96.74% of their full useful capacity. As of 6:00 AM on August 27, 2025, the combined storage stands at 14,00,219 million litres, a healthy sign for the city’s water supply for the upcoming months.

Middle Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tulsi, and Vihar lakes are already at 100% storage capacity, with Bhatsa at 95.52% and Upper Vaitarna at 96.60%. The Tansa lake, which saw a minor drop of 0.01 meters in the last 24 hours, remains at a high 99.10% of useful content.

Middle Vaitarna’s gates were opened on August 18, and Upper Vaitarna began releasing water from August 21. These timely measures help regulate overflow and prevent flood risks in the surrounding areas.

Rainfall data shows continued precipitation, with Middle Vaitarna recording 22 mm and Upper Vaitarna 43 mm in the past 24 hours. The total rainfall recorded across all lakes this season so far is 2383.00 mm, with Bhatsa and Tulsi receiving the highest 2467 mm and 3474 mm respectively.

The steady inflow and rainfall ensure that Mumbai is well-positioned to avoid any water cuts this year. Civic authorities remain vigilant, continuously monitoring levels to ensure optimal water management as monsoon conditions persist.

Mumbai Rains Hit Till September 1

Mumbai is preparing for Lord Ganesha’s arrival on August 27, with the IMD forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the day, prompting a yellow alert for potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions during Ganesh Chaturthi. Commuters should use public transport and leave early to avoid delays. Weather predictions suggest intermittent rains with accumulations of 5–35 mm. The week will see cloudy skies and varying temperatures from 24°C to 28°C, with repeated heavy showers expected impacting crowd management and travel.

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Maharashtra

Mira Road Slab Collapse: 4-Year-Old Killed, Father Injured Near Mumbai

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A heartbreaking incident was reported in Mira Road today after a slab from the Noorjahan-1 building, located opposite Zudio, collapsed. The mishap claimed the life of a four-year-old child, while the child’s father sustained injuries and has been admitted to Wockhardt Hospital.

The 40-year-old structure has long been flagged for redevelopment, but the project has remained stuck for nearly a decade due to incomplete documentation and disputes with the developer. Residents allege that repeated delays and negligence have left several such buildings in dangerous conditions.

Local citizens are now questioning the inaction of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and builders in addressing unsafe and dilapidated structures across the city.

The incident has sparked anger and grief within the community, with many warning that unless urgent measures are taken, more lives could be at risk.

Navi Mumbai: Woman Left Bleeding As Slab Crashes Down In Nerul Flat Amid Relentless Rains

A woman was injured after a portion of a slab collapsed inside a flat at Vighnaharta Society, Sector-1, Nerul, on Wednesday afternoon. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.

A video of the incident, shows the woman bleeding and visibly shaken following the collapse.

According to civic officials, the structure had already been in a deteriorated state and the recent spell of heavy rainfall further weakened it, leading to the accident. “The slab gave way due to long-standing damage, made worse by continuous rains in the city,” an official confirmed.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of ageing housing societies in Navi Mumbai, many of which have been flagged for urgent repairs.

Authorities must carry out a structural audit of the building in the coming days.

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National News

Mumbai Metro: First Trial Of Green Line 4 & 4A Successful; Train Coaches Arrive At Anand Nagar In Thane

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Thane: Mumbai Metro activities have officially begun in the eastern suburbs. On August 25, the first trial train coaches were lifted and placed on the tracks near Anand Nagar in Thane, starting from midnight. Trial runs are expected to commence in September 2025.

These are not the final trains, but they match the final specifications. The rolling stock (train) contract for Mumbai Metro Green Line 4 and 4A was awarded in February 2025 to a joint venture of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Alstom, as reported by Midday.

A 10.5-km stretch covering 10 stations from Gaimukh to Cadbury Junction, which includes Line 4A and part of Line 4, is expected to open by February 2026. This will be the longest among the partial launches. The stations on this stretch include: Cadbury, Majiwada, Kapurbawadi, Manpada, Tikuji-ni-Wadi, Dongari Pada, Vijay Garden, Kasarvadavali, Gowaniwada, and Gaimukh, as reported.

In other news related to Mumbai Metro, in view of the upcoming Ganeshotsav celebrations, the Aqua Line Metro, also known as Metro Line 3, will extend its operational hours till midnight from August 27 to September 6. During this period, services will run daily from 6:30 AM to 12:00 AM, ensuring smooth travel for devotees and commuters throughout the festivities.

Currently, a 22 km stretch between Aarey (JVLR) and Worli is operational. The entire corridor spans 33 km, with the final phase up to Cuffe Parade (Colaba) slated to open soon.

Currently, trial runs are ongoing, and the remaining stretch is awaiting certification from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) before commercial operations can commence.

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