Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Raises Concerns Over Waqf Bill Protests

Amid rising tensions over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized targeted actions against the Muslim community. Drawing attention to upcoming nationwide protests, Abdullah emphasized the Waqf Board's role in charitable activities. Meanwhile, Waqf JPC Chairman Jaagdambika Pal accused opponents of inciting unrest.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern on Monday that focusing hostilities on a single community could escalate violence. Addressing the press regarding protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Abdullah explained the significance of the Muslim community's charitable efforts conducted through the Waqf Board.

"Every religion engages in charity. For Muslims, it's channeled via the Waqf... If only one group is singled out, tensions are bound to rise," Abdullah remarked. This follows the All India Muslim Personal Law Board's (AIMPLB) call for nationwide protests against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.

Mohd Vaquar Uddin Latifi, AIMPLB's Office Secretary, noted, "After a significant demonstration in Delhi on March 17, we've planned nationwide actions against the bill." SQR Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson and Convenor of the Action Committee Against the Waqf Bill, thanked various groups and opposition MPs for their support. The board's 31-member committee pledged to use every constitutional and legal means to challenge what they claim is a harmful bill.

"Large protest sit-ins are scheduled in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29 as part of our first-phase agitation," the statement added. It also mentioned planned public events at the district level, with memorandums to be submitted to India's President.

Reacting to the protest plans, Waqf JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jaagdambika Pal accused the AIMPLB of inciting instability. "Be it Imran Masood or AIMPLB, they're misleading minorities. They cause unrest even when the amended bill hasn't been introduced," Pal said to ANI. He highlighted that AIMPLB's view was considered during discussions, suggesting that their opposition aims to spread anarchy.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, intends to bring reforms such as digitization, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal routes to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

(With inputs from agencies.)