SRINAGAR: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Monday supported the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker to disallow a discussion on the amended Waqf law, citing its sub-judice status, while simultaneously urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to diplomatically intervene in Saudi Arabia’s suspension of short-term visas ahead of the Hajj season.
Speaking to the media in Srinagar, Abdullah said it was prudent for the Speaker to block the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, given that the matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court. “This law is unconstitutional. The Speaker made the right call in not allowing discussion while the case is before the Supreme Court. Once the verdict comes, we can deliberate on it,” he remarked.
Criticising the opposition benches, he accused them of offering “no meaningful critique” and engaging in opposition “for the sake of opposition”.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on 2 April, passed in the Rajya Sabha the following day, and received presidential assent on 5 April, officially becoming law. The legislation has already been challenged in court, with its implications expected to impact the management of Waqf properties nationwide.
In a separate but equally pressing matter, Dr Abdullah expressed grave concern over Saudi Arabia’s recent suspension of short-term visa issuance to 14 countries, including India, just ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage season.
Calling for urgent diplomatic engagement, he appealed to Prime Minister Modi to take up the issue with Saudi authorities. “I appeal to the Prime Minister to speak with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and urge them to not reduce our quota of Hajj pilgrims. There is also the question of jobs here,” he said.
He also urged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to formally write to the Prime Minister, highlighting the need to safeguard the interests of Indian pilgrims and workers affected by the decision.
The Saudi suspension affects several visa categories, including business, e-tourist, and family visit visas. Besides India, other impacted countries include Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, and Nigeria, among others.
Abdullah warned that the decision could disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Indian devotees and workers, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir, and called for swift and effective diplomatic resolution.
