SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has written letters to the chief ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, thanking them for taking a principled stand against the Waqf Amendment Bill. The letter, identical in wording, was addressed to Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, and Siddaramaiah.
In the letter, Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep appreciation for their opposition to what she described as an “arbitrary enforcement of new Waqf laws” that undermine religious freedoms and are part of a broader pattern of systemic injustice against minorities, particularly Muslims.
“For over a decade, India has faced a growing majoritarian tide threatening its core values of plurality and diversity. While most citizens reject this agenda, those promoting hatred and division now hold power, targeting our Constitution, institutions and secular fabric,” she wrote.
Highlighting the adverse impact of the Waqf law changes, Mufti said these moves were the latest in a series of actions that had disproportionately affected the Muslim community. She drew a direct connection to the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as earlier manifestations of the same trend.
“These actions echo earlier injustices such as the abrogation of special status and dismemberment of Jammu & Kashmir and reflect a broader pattern of systemic erosion of rights,” the letter stated.
Praising the stand taken by the three leaders, she wrote: “In these dark times, your courage and clarity have been a rare beacon of hope. Alongside a few principled voices, you’ve stood up for justice and for the inclusive idea of India. I write to express my deep respect and the gratitude of many who feel voiceless and marginalized.”
Mehbooba Mufti concluded the letter with a note of hope, saying that with continued support and leadership from voices like theirs, the country could work towards reclaiming its constitutional values and shared future.
The Waqf Amendment Bill has faced criticism from several quarters for allegedly centralising control over religious endowments and diluting the autonomy of state Waqf Boards. Mehbooba Mufti’s outreach to opposition chief ministers is being seen as part of a broader effort to build resistance against the Bill and highlight its implications for minority rights.
