Waqf Bill Controversy: Mirwaiz of Kashmir Calls for Urgent Dialogue
Mirwaiz of Kashmir Calls for Dialogue on Waqf Bill Amendments, Seeks Time from Parliament Panel
Umar Farooq, the Mirwaiz of Kashmir and head of the Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema (MMU), has raised serious concerns over the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. In a detailed letter to Jagdambika Pal, the chair of the joint committee of Parliament examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Farooq requested an opportunity for an MMU delegation to meet with the panel to discuss their apprehensions.
The MMU, a coalition representing various Islamic organizations, Ulemas, and academic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, believes that the proposed amendments threaten the interests of the Muslim community and violate fundamental rights. The Mirwaiz emphasized that these amendments not only infringe upon Muslim personal law, protected under Article 25 of the Constitution, but also exacerbate feelings of insecurity within the Muslim community, which already perceives threats to its religious freedoms.
Key concerns outlined in the letter include the government’s plan to grant collectors sweeping powers over Waqf properties, including the ability to alter revenue records. This, according to the MMU, undermines the very essence of the Waqf Act, which is designed to protect religious and charitable properties. Additionally, the MMU criticized the reduction of Muslim representation in the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards, noting that the proposed changes would allow for non-Muslim members to dominate these bodies.
The Mirwaiz stressed the urgent need for dialogue, stating that Waqf properties are personal properties dedicated by Muslims in the name of God for the benefit of their society. He highlighted that these properties serve the underprivileged and are integral to the community’s welfare.
