‘Empowerment for All’: Mehbooba Mufti Commends Mamata, Siddaramaiah & Stalin on Waqf Act
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Synopsis
Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, praised the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for their opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act while expressing disappointment over the J&K government's silence. She highlighted the importance of dissent in today's political climate.
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti acknowledges the stance of state leaders.
- Calls for support amid rising dissent suppression.
- National Conference challenges the Act in Supreme Court.
- Muslim organizations criticize the Waqf Act.
- J&K BJP claims the Act modernizes Waqf Boards.
Srinagar, April 12 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, expressed her gratitude on Saturday towards the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for their stand regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, lamenting the absence of a similar reaction from the J&K government.
“I reached out to @MamataOfficial, @mkstalin, and @siddaramaiah to convey my heartfelt appreciation for their brave and principled opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. In a contemporary India where any form of dissent is increasingly criminalized, their clear and strong voices are refreshing,” the former Chief Minister noted on X.
“As inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir - the only Muslim-majority area in the nation - we draw comfort and motivation from your steadfastness during these bleak and trying times. More power to you,” she further stated.
The ruling National Conference (NC) has lodged a petition with the Supreme Court contesting the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Previously, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah supported the protests of NC legislators against the Waqf Act in the Legislative Assembly.
On Wednesday, the party declared its intention to challenge the Act, labeling it a constitutionally “disturbing interference” in the religious matters of the Muslim community.
“Under the guidance of Party President Farooq Abdullah, and in defense of India’s minorities, JKNC has contested the Waqf Amendment Act in the Supreme Court. Our MLAs @arjunsinghraju, @AdvReyazkhan, and Hilal Lone have submitted a writ petition today seeking justice,” the NC announced in a post on X on Friday.
Muslim religious leaders and various organizations have condemned the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
On the other hand, J&K BJP leaders have endorsed the Act, asserting that it seeks to eliminate discrepancies and modernize the Waqf Boards through technology.
Darakshan Andrabi, the head of the J&K Waqf Board, defended the Act, claiming it will dismantle the long-standing monopoly on Waqf Boards across the country.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was approved by Parliament on April 4 following extensive debates in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
