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 administration on the decision.

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.

The MMU has strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a “deliberate attempt to undermine Muslim religious and community institutions and encroach upon them over time.”

The MMU had said it was in touch with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other prominent Muslim organizations across India to discuss a collective and unified response to Act.
UNI MJR KK