SRINAGAR: In Jammu and Kashmir, strong opposition has emerged against the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, even as the Lok Sabha engaged in a heated debate over the changes. Political leaders and community representatives in the region have criticised the government’s silence on local concerns, arguing that the amendments could have significant consequences for Waqf properties within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), condemned the amendments, calling them an attempt to strip Muslim institutions of their autonomy. “The Waqf properties belong to the people, and this is yet another move to centralise power and weaken our institutions. We will not remain silent while our religious and cultural heritage is interfered with,” she said.
Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid opposed the waqf bill in parliament session. In his speech, he talked about Indian Muslims, statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and slammed Congress for backstabbing Muslims. He said, “I oppose Waqf Bill tooth and nail.” He questioned if the waqf properties are being misused.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hurriyat leader and head of the Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, also expressed deep concerns over the amendments. “As one watches the ruling party defend the indefensible Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, it is very unfortunate and disturbing that not even one of the serious concerns and reservations raised by Muslim organisations, including the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) which I lead, before the JPC in New Delhi, was addressed by them,” Mirwaiz wrote on X. “Today, crores of Muslims in India, like mute spectators, are haplessly watching their rights and institutions being blatantly undermined and feel greatly let down.”
As one watches the ruling party defend the indefensible Waqf Amendment bill in parliament,it is very unfortunate and disturbing that not even one of the serious concerns and reservations raised by the Muslim organisations including the MMU which I lead before the JPC in New…
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 2, 2025
The Joint Parliamentary Committee that Mirwaiz had met had received over 97 lakh petitions and memoranda, while 284 delegations, including Waqf boards from 25 states and Union Territories, legal experts, and religious leaders, submitted their opinions before the final report was prepared.
Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone has opposed the proposed amendments, terming them an attack on the religious rights of Muslims. Expressing his concerns, Lone argued that the move was a direct interference in religious matters and an attempt to undermine the autonomy of Muslim institutions.
In a post on X Lone stated, “Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties which are collectively owned by Muslims. It is an Islamic concept.” He emphasised that any amendments to these laws would amount to an encroachment on religious affairs, challenging the fundamental principles of Waqf.
Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties which are collectively owned by Muslims. It is an Islamic concept.
The proposed amendment by Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightfully custodians of their authority.
Yet another right…
— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) April 2, 2025
He further asserted that the proposed amendment by Parliament was “a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightful custodians of their authority.” According to him, such actions were not just legislative changes but a broader attempt to dilute the religious autonomy of Muslims.
Describing the bill as “yet another right-wing trespass,” Lone alleged that these measures were being introduced with the intent to weaken the religious and institutional structures of Muslims.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal has denounced the Waqf bill introduced by the BJP, calling it a violation of Muslim religious rights and an unlawful attempt to seize Muslim-owned properties. He described the bill as unconstitutional and detrimental to the interests of the Muslim community.
In a statement from the party headquarters, Kamal criticised the scrutiny process by the Joint Committee, arguing that the proposed amendments would weaken the autonomy of Waqf properties and undermine lands historically dedicated for religious and charitable purposes. He stressed that Waqf properties hold deep religious significance and should not be subjected to changes that affect their status.
Urging all MPs to reject the bill, Kamal asserted that the National Conference MPs would oppose it through democratic means. He questioned the BJP’s sudden concern for Muslim interests, calling it deceptive. He further argued that the Constitution guarantees religious freedom, and it is the government’s duty to protect this right. He warned that the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 would severely harm the Muslim community’s interests.
Senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora, Advocate Nizamuddin Bhat, has raised serious concerns over the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, warning that it poses a threat to India’s unity and religious harmony. Speaking at a press conference, he cautioned that the amendments could have far-reaching consequences on the administration of Waqf properties and stressed the need to protect stakeholders’ interests while ensuring transparency in Waqf management.
Bhat warned that altering the existing Waqf structure without broader consultations would lead to unrest and deepen mistrust among communities. He urged the government to reconsider the bill and engage all stakeholders before making any amendments.
Despite the opposition from regional leaders, BJP allies in Jammu and Kashmir have backed the amendments.
JDU Party President G M Shaheen has strongly criticised the Opposition for resisting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing them of either appeasing their vote bank or fearing the loss of land acquired through Waqf. Defending the bill, he stated that the government’s objective is to bring transparency to the Waqf system, which would ultimately benefit the Muslim community. He further alleged that the Opposition has historically created problems for Muslims, whereas only the NDA government is working towards fair governance for all.
Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, a BJP member and appointee, has expressed support for the bill, asserting that it will modernise Waqf property management, ensure equitable representation—including for Muslim women and non-Muslims—and reduce litigation. She dismissed concerns about negative outcomes, emphasising that the proposed amendments will enhance transparency, clarify property dedication rules, and bring accountability to Waqf boards.
The Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti (KPSS), while opposing government interference in religious affairs, has criticised Kashmiri politicians and civil society for their silence on the desecration of Kashmiri Pandit religious sites over the past three decades. The group accused the majority community of failing to address the illegal occupation and destruction of their temples, shrines, and sacred sites, asserting that those who remained silent on these injustices have no moral standing to comment on the Waqf Bill.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill in Parliament, has stated that it aims to improve Waqf property administration through technology-driven management and enhanced transparency. He highlighted that the Joint Parliamentary Committee conducted extensive consultations, making this one of the most comprehensive legislative reviews in India’s history.
Home Minister Amit Shah defended the amendments, dismissing allegations that they were aimed at marginalising any community. Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in the Lok Sabha in support of the Bill, accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation for political reasons. He clarified, “Waqf means ‘donation for religious charities in the name of Allah.’ It is a charitable endowment that cannot be reclaimed, and only personally owned property—not government land—can be donated.” Addressing concerns over non-Muslim representation in Waqf councils, he stated, “No provision exists to appoint any non-Muslim member to Waqf, nor do we intend to do so. There will be no interference in Muslims’ religious matters. The Opposition is opposing this bill only to appease their vote banks.” Shah further criticised the Opposition for “creating vote banks by spreading fear and confusion among minorities,” asserting that neither the previous law nor the current bill allows non-Muslims to control religious institutions. He also blamed the 2013 amendment for making Waqf laws overly stringent for political gain, arguing that had those changes not been made, the current amendment might not have been necessary.
Highlighting the expansion of Waqf properties, Shah revealed that “from 1913 to 2013, Waqf Boards had a total of 18 lakh acres, but after the 2013 amendment, an additional 21 lakh acres were added, bringing the total to 39 lakh acres by 2025.” He questioned the disappearance of leased Waqf properties, stating, “The leased Waqf Board properties were 20,000, but in 2025, as per records, they became zero. Where did these properties go? Who authorised their sale?” Citing issues of encroachment, mismanagement, and lack of transparency, Shah asserted that the bill—renamed the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill—aims to ensure better governance. “Why should anyone be afraid of transparency? Reports and balance sheets will be submitted, and retired CAG officers will audit them. Any order of the Waqf Board or Council can also be challenged in court,” he said. He reiterated that the bill’s objective is to bring transparency and accountability to Waqf management, ensuring it benefits the Muslim community.
Reports appearing in the media suggest that the total land under Waqf Boards in India exceeds the land area of more than 30 sovereign nations.
