SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly faced sharp criticism on Wednesday after the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill was not taken up for discussion during the just-concluded Budget Session, prompting opposition leaders to accuse the National Conference (NC) of deliberately avoiding debate to remain in the good books of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA from Pulwama, Waheed ur Rehman Parra, expressed disappointment over the Assembly’s failure to address what he called the most sensitive issue for Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population. “The entire session was held according to the BJP’s agenda. The Waqf Amendment Bill, like in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, should have been debated threadbare here as well,” Parra told reporters outside the Assembly.
Echoing similar sentiments, Peoples Conference Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, launched a scathing attack on the NC, accusing it of sabotaging debate on the bill. At a press conference following the adjournment of the House sine die, Lone alleged a “fixed match” between the NC and BJP to block discussion on the legislation. “For three days, they stalled us, and then dissolved the House. The Speaker, an NC member, ensured no voice from Jammu and Kashmir could challenge this bill,” he said.
Lone condemned the Speaker’s conduct, revealing that opposition parties had moved a no-confidence motion against him. He challenged the NC to support the motion to prove its credibility. “If they back it, they admit the Speaker erred. If not, they’re complicit,” he remarked.
The Waqf Amendment Act, which was passed in Parliament, has sparked concern among Muslim leaders who believe it undermines local autonomy over religious endowments. Opposition members were hoping to pass a resolution against the Act in the Assembly, similar to steps taken in other states.
Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also weighed in, criticising Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for receiving Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Srinagar shortly after the Waqf bill was passed in Parliament. “After bulldozing the bill, Rijiju received a red carpet welcome in Kashmir. This was a public celebration of marginalisation,” Mehbooba said.
She termed the so-called chance meeting between Omar Abdullah and Rijiju at the Tulip Garden as “a strategic move meant to signal to 24 crore Muslims across India that their voices don’t matter.”
Lone further compared the current situation to previous instances of political betrayal under NC’s rule, including the rigging of the 1987 elections and the imposition of draconian laws. “History will condemn the NC for betraying Kashmiris once again,” he said.
Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma accused the NC of trying to protect its own supporters who had allegedly encroached on Waqf land. “NC is least concerned about the Waqf bill. Their leaders want to shield their relatives and workers who have illegally occupied Waqf land,” Sharma told reporters in Jammu. He went on to accuse NC of using the term ‘land jihad’ while offering what he described as “legislative protection” to the encroachments, calling it a form of “Legislative Jihad.”
