Waqf Amendment Concerns: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's Opposition

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed strong concerns over the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, deeming them interference in religious matters. Addressing the Friday congregation, he stated that the bill, which includes controversial provisions, is seen as targeting Muslims and will be resisted if enacted.

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday voiced strong objections to the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, calling them an 'interference in religious matters' and accusing the government of using Muslims as 'polarising agents for electoral purposes'.

Speaking at the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid, Farooq highlighted that the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament has caused 'great anguish and concern' among Muslims in India, particularly in Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was introduced in Lok Sabha and referred to a joint parliamentary panel after a heated debate, has been criticized by the opposition as targeting Muslims. The bill proposes several controversial changes, including altering the Waqf board's composition to include non-Muslims and allowing a district collector to determine the final status of disputed Waqf land.

Farooq warned that many centuries-old Waqf mosques in Jammu and Kashmir could be deemed government property due to inadequate documentation. He alleged that the government's agenda aims to disempower Muslims and cautioned Muslims to remain vigilant against such tactics. If enacted, Farooq promised strong resistance from the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies.)