Srinagar, Apr 9 (UNI) Authorities on Wednesday barred the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) — Jammu and Kashmir’s largest religious representative body — from holding a scheduled meeting to discuss the contentious Waqf Act.
There was no official response from the Lt Governor administration on barring the meeting.
The MMU, led by Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, had planned to convene a meeting of religious leaders from across Jammu & Kashmir, including Ladakh, Kargil, and the Jammu region, to deliberate on the implications of the recently passed Bill.
According to a statement from the office of Mirwaiz, authorities informed them that the meeting, scheduled at his Nigeen residence, would not be allowed to take place.
“..All lanes and bylanes leading to the residence have been sealed. Religious representatives from all districts of J&K, including Ladakh, Kargil and Jammu belt had reached the valley to attend this important meet, aimed at discussing the serious concerns of the Muslim community regarding the recently passed Waqf Bill,” the statement said.
Originally slated for Monday, the meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday in view of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirwaiz Umar condemned the move, calling it "strange" that even peaceful discussions by Muslim scholars and religious bodies in the region were being barred.
“..It is strange that even a discussion to deliberate on this serious issue and respond peacefully by Muslim scholars and religious institutes in this Muslim majority region is barred. When every political party could freely express their views on this issue in the Indian Parliament, this right should be extended to the Muslim political and religious representatives of J&K also,” Mirwaiz said on X.
He said MMU has decided that the joint resolution on this matter prepared in consultation with all members will be read out in mosques and at all religious congregations coming Friday.
Mirwaiz said the MMU extends All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and will stand by the Board in whatever course of action it deems appropriate to address the issues arising from the new law.
UNI MJR KK