Srinagar, Apr 2 (UNI) As the Lok Sabha held a debate on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, all major Kashmir valley-based political parties condemned the proposed legislation, terming it as an "attack on Muslim rights" and an attempt to erode the autonomy of the Waqf Boards.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti alleged the proposed law is part of a "conspiracy to render Muslims helpless".
She accused the BJP-led government of pursuing policies against the Muslim community, citing instances of lynching, mosque demolitions, and encroachments on Muslim graveyards.
Mufti said she has no hope from the BJP government and urged the Hindu majority to come forward and take a stand against such "injustices".
“This is (Mahatma) Gandhi's country. This country must be governed by the Constitution, not by the BJP’s agenda. If the Hindu majority does not want our country to become like Myanmar or if they want that what happened to Kashmiri Pandits — an episode we are sorry even today and for which we are constantly taunted for — then the people of this nation must not remain silent spectators," she said addressing reporters in Srinagar.
"If this indifference continues, nothing can prevent the country from disintegrating. The BJP’s policies are tearing the nation apart,” the former CM said.
Hasnain Masood, MLA of National Conference party which is currently running an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, called the Waqf bill "a step towards disempowering Muslims".
He argued that the proposed amendments disregard the sanctity and purpose of Waqf properties.
"This bill is a clear violation of the rights of Muslims. It dilutes the control of the Waqf Board, which is unacceptable," Masoodi asserted.
Peoples Conference President and MLA from Handwara Sajad Lone also voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendment to Waqf laws, terming it an attack on the religious rights of Muslims.
Taking to X, Lone remarked, "Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties which are collectively owned by Muslims. It is an Islamic concept."
He said the move by Parliament amounts to a direct assault on the religious autonomy of Muslims.
"The proposed amendment by Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightful custodians of their authority," he asserted, calling it "yet another right-wing trespass."
Opposing the controversial amendments, Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari said that if the bill is passed, it will deprive the Muslim community of control over Waqf assets as well as their administration.
“The government claims that this amendment bill is intended to improve the administration of Waqf properties and ensure transparency. No one opposes measures for better management and transparency, but such legislation is not necessary. Improvement and transparency can be achieved without amending the existing Waqf Act,” he said.
J&K Waqf Board Chairperson and BJP leader Darakhshan Andrabi, however, defended the amendments, stating that the bill aimed to ensure the Waqf Board’s properties are used for the welfare of the Muslim community, particularly to address issues of poverty and homelessness.
She questioned the opposition’s criticism, emphasizing that the Bill focuses on development rather than targeting religious institutions.
"Why are Muslims poor and homeless if the Waqf Board has so much land? The amendments aim to ensure that these properties are used for the community’s benefit," Andrabi said, adding the Bill is for development.
Chairman Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) Qayoom Wani said this Bill is "unconstitutional" and "an attack on the sentiments of the Muslim community" in India.
“The bill violates fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India, particularly: Article 14 ,Article 25 ,Article 26 & Article 29. This bill is nothing less than an invasion of Muslim Personal Law and an attempt to interfere with the religious and cultural autonomy of the community,” Wani said.
Wani called upon all peace loving citizens of India to raise their voices and oppose this unjust legislation by peaceful ways and means.
UNI MJR AKK