Srinagar, Jan 24 : The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a conglomerate of major religious bodies of Jammu & Kashmir, on Friday voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
In a memorandum submitted to Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagdambika Pal, in New Delhi, MMU highlighted its grave concerns saying these amendments are completely against the interests of the Muslim community and also “violate the universally accepted fundamental rights of communities. “
A delegation of MMU led by its patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman, met Pal and requested him to reject the proposed amendments.
The MMU’s major concern to the proposed amendments include the likely powers granted to District Collectors to unilaterally declare Waqf properties as government land by modifying revenue records.
“This action seeks to undermine the very purpose of the Waqf Act, which is to protect and preserve the properties dedicated to religious and charitable purposes by the Muslim community members,” the memorandum said.
The proposed increase in non-Muslim representation on central and state Waqf councils was also flagged. The MMU argued that this dilutes the independence of the Waqf boards, especially since the provision requiring the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Waqf board to be Muslim has been removed.
“This will severely undermine the independent functioning of the Waqf board by direct interference from State nominated Non-Muslim Board members,” the memorandum read.
The MMU also objected to the removal of the “Waqf by User” clause, which had recognized properties long used for religious and charitable purposes as Waqf, even if not officially documented in revenue records. This, they said, opens the door for legal disputes and illegal appropriation of muslim relegios places.
The amendments, according to MMU, empower the government to delist Waqf properties, putting them at risk of seizure or sale. Such actions, the body warned, would significantly undermine the community’s ability to sustain its religious and charitable institutions.
The proposed changes were described as a violation of Muslim personal law, protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom. The MMU also expressed concern about the growing mistrust and insecurity among Muslims regarding the safety of their religious properties.
As a Muslim-majority region, Jammu and Kashmir would be disproportionately affected by these amendments, MMU claimed, framing them as part of a larger attempt to erode religious freedom in the region.
In their appeal, the MMU urged the JPC to reject the proposed amendments outright, engage with stakeholders from the Muslim community, and ensure safeguards for the autonomy and protection of Waqf properties.
The MMU’s memorandum concluded with a call for meaningful dialogue to strengthen the Waqf Act without undermining the rights and sentiments of the Muslim community.
UNI
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