NC Chief Criticizes Legislation, Calls for Representation of Regional Concerns
Srinagar, 09 April 2025: A Controversial Law Sparks Outrage
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Act, stating that the legislation has deeply hurt the sentiments of the majority community in the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah defended the protests staged by National Conference (NC) MLAs, who were denied the opportunity to discuss the Act within the House.
Omar Abdullah’s Stance
Abdullah described the Act as unnecessary and accused it of targeting religious autonomy. “There was no need for the Waqf Amendment Act. A religion is being targeted. Non-Muslims are being allowed to review Waqf activities. Do you allow non-Hindus to oversee the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board? This is unfair,” Abdullah remarked.
He emphasized that the NC lawmakers were attempting to represent the concerns of their constituents, particularly those of the Muslim-majority region, but were denied the platform to do so. “If not inside the Assembly, we will raise our voice outside,” he asserted.
Assembly Protests and Adjournments
The Legislative Assembly has been paralyzed for three consecutive days due to protests from non-BJP parties, including the NC, over the Speaker’s refusal to allow a discussion on the Waqf Act. The House was eventually adjourned sine die, leaving many unresolved issues on the table.
Criticism from Opposition
Abdullah also hit back at opposition leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples Conference (PC), who had criticized him for his recent interaction with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar. He dismissed the criticism as baseless, accusing these leaders of hypocrisy. “The same people who now criticize me were the ones who cozied up to the BJP and brought them into J&K politics,” Abdullah said.
Public Reaction and Future Course
The Waqf Amendment Act has sparked widespread discontent among the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir, with many viewing it as an infringement on their religious rights. Abdullah assured that the NC would soon announce its next course of action to address the concerns of the people.
