Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema (MMU), a coalition of several religious groups in Kashmir, Kargil, and Jammu, has expressed concerns over the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, calling it a move that will disempower Muslims.
Speaking to THE WEEK after leading an MMU delegation for a meeting with Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), in New Delhi on Friday, Farooq alleged that the move was politically motivated. He said the legislation impacts Muslims across the country.
“This appears to be politically motivated, as the government is unwilling to acknowledge or address our concerns.”
He said the delegation submitted a detailed six-point memorandum to the JPC, highlighting key issues with the proposed legislation. According to Farooq, the government failed to provide satisfactory answers to their concerns.
“We told them they are presuming that Muslims are incapable of managing their institutions. We do not interfere in the religious affairs of others and cannot demand representation in the management of temples, churches, or gurdwaras. So why are Muslims being singled out? The foundation of this exercise is biased.”
He said the JPC did not visit Jammu and Kashmir, the only Muslim-majority region in India, despite repeated requests over the past three months. “This shows the entire process is nothing more than a public relations exercise.”
Farooq said one of the key issues raised by the MMU delegation was the lack of records for many properties that are centuries old. “Once this bill becomes law, such properties will automatically be declared government assets. This is not just about mosques and graveyards but also institutions built on Waqf land.”
He accused the government of rushing the process to table the final report in Parliament, possibly ahead of the Delhi assembly elections.
“They asked us to submit further suggestions, but their minds appear to be made up. The opposition bench in the JPC was also suspended, which shows they are in no mood to listen to alternative views.”
He said the proposed amendments would add to the woes of Kashmiris, who have already been politically disempowered. “Now, this bill threatens to economically disempower us as well. It feels like we are caught between a rock and a hard place.”
The MMU delegation was unable to include representatives from Kargil and Jammu in the meeting but ensured that their reservations were formally recorded.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir, with many viewing it as an attempt to centralise control over Waqf properties and weaken local autonomy. The JPC is expected to submit its final report soon.
This is the first time the Mirwaiz, who heads the moderate faction of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, has been allowed to travel outside Kashmir after the Article 370 move by the BJP.
