SRINAGAR: The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) Jammu & Kashmir has strongly condemned the sealing of the residence of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, and the prevention of a key religious meeting meant to discuss the implications of the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The MMU, which was to deliberate on the new law’s impact on Waqf institutions at its scheduled meeting on Thursday, said the gathering could not take place after authorities sealed the Mirwaiz’s residence at Rajouri Kadal and barred entry. Religious scholars and ulema from Jammu, Kashmir, Leh, and Kargil who had travelled to attend the meeting were denied access.
Calling the government’s actions deeply condemnable, the MMU announced that its resolution expressing concern over the new Waqf law will now be read out in all masajid, shrines, and imambaras across Jammu and Kashmir during Friday prayers.
The MMU said the new legislation undermines the traditional and religious character of Waqf management in India. It flagged concerns about the diminishing authority of Muslim-led Waqf Boards, the inclusion of non-Muslim officials in their functioning, and the transfer of key decision-making powers to district collectors. The repeal of Section 40 of the Waqf Act, 1995, and the removal of “Waqf by long-standing use” have, according to the MMU, placed longstanding Islamic sites such as mosques and graveyards at risk of being derecognised due to a lack of formal documentation.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid also reacted strongly to the continued house detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for the second consecutive Friday. In a statement, it said the “undemocratic and hostile approach” of the authorities towards the Mirwaiz is causing “deep anguish to the Muslims of Kashmir” and restricting his peaceful religious and official duties.
Meanwhile, the Mirwaiz himself posted a statement on the social media platform X, saying, “Another Friday, another house arrest and the authorities’ Jama Masjid phobia continues. Meanwhile, as things are fast regressing for Muslims in this country—the latest being the highly marginalising Waqf Bill—it doesn’t seem far-fetched that soon permissions may be sought and permits issued after verification, for Muslims to enter their mosques or be buried in their graveyards.”
The MMU reaffirmed its full support to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and expressed its commitment to support all lawful and peaceful efforts to safeguard religious institutions and endowments.
“May Allah guide and protect the institutions of our faith,” the resolution concluded.
