Political Parties in J&K Rally Against Waqf (Amendment) Bill
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Synopsis
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, excluding the BJP, oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, arguing it aims to disempower Muslims. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that the Bill targets a single religion, calling for intervention to uphold the Constitution and prevent further chaos.
Key Takeaways
- Political opposition to Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
- Concerns about targeting a specific religion.
- Call for constitutional adherence and secular intervention.
- BJP's contrasting view on the Bill's benefits.
- Bill introduced aimed at reforming Waqf management.
Srinagar, April 2 (NationPress) All political factions in J&K, aside from the BJP, have expressed their opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that it seeks to disempower Muslims and specifically target a single faith.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that his party will not accept the Bill.
“Only one religion is being targeted. Every religion has its institutions, and every religion has a charitable wing. For Muslims, it is the Waqf,” emphasized the Chief Minister.
Omar Abdullah remarked that it is unfortunate to target the Waqf, adding that the onus now lies with Parliament to halt amendments to the Bill.
“NC cannot support this Bill. Our MPs will firmly oppose it,” stated the Chief Minister.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also voiced her opposition, expressing skepticism towards the BJP given the treatment of Muslims in the nation.
“I don’t have any hope from the BJP. We have witnessed how Muslims are being lynched and mosques demolished over the past 11 years,” she remarked.
The former Chief Minister further stated that the Bill is designed to disempower Muslims, expressing hope that Hindu brothers would step up to counter it.
“India is a nation of Gandhi, and it should be governed according to the Constitution. Secular forces must act to prevent the country from descending into chaos like Myanmar. If people choose to remain silent, no one can avert the turmoil in the nation,” the former Chief Minister stated.
Chairman of the People’s Conference, Sajad Gani Lone, also condemned the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, describing it as overt interference in the religious affairs of Muslims.
“The proposed amendment by Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at stripping rightful custodians of their authority. This represents yet another right-wing encroachment,” he posted on X.
In contrast, BJP leader Darakhshan Andrabi welcomed the amendments, claiming they would benefit the impoverished members of the community.
“How can Waqf own so many properties, yet our Muslim brethren remain impoverished? Waqf controls thousands of kanals of land, yet a significant number of Muslims are homeless and landless. The Prime Minister is addressing these issues to uplift the Muslim community and provide necessary facilities,” she stated.
Darakhshan Andrabi leads the J&K Waqf Board.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
According to the government, the Bill aims to enhance the functioning and ensure transparency and technology-driven management of Waqf properties across the nation.
Opposition parties in the Lok Sabha have labeled the Bill as “unconstitutional” and detrimental to the interests of the Muslim community.
