Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a conglomerate of major religious bodies of Jammu & Kashmir has strongly opposed the proposed Amendments to the Waqf Act, calling them against the interest of the Muslim community.
In a joint letter on behalf of all constituents of MMU addressed to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman Jagdambika Pal, the MMU patron Mirwaz Umar Farooq urged the Committee to reject the proposed amendments and rather engage in meaningful dialogue with the Muslim community to address their concerns and suggestions.
“ We believe that these amendments are completely against the interests of the Muslim community and also violate the universally accepted fundamental rights of communities. Waqf properties are personal properties dedicated by Muslims in the name of God for the benefit of their society and to help the underprivileged. Such
Religo /social institutions warrant the least interference from the state. But the Government proposed Amendments indicate an attempt at controlling this institution, making its motives suspect,” the MMU said in the letter.
It added that their first concern is the proposed overtake of the Waqf by the Government through the authority of the collector.
“Another major concern is the reduction of Muslim representation and increase in the number of Non-Muslim representation up to 13 in central Waqf council and 7 in State Waqf Boards and the arbitrary mandate given to them,” the MMU letter said.
MMU said that the Muslim-majority community of Jammu and Kashmir feels very strongly about these amendments to the Waqf Act, seeing it as another attempt at “undermining our religious freedom and the autonomy of our institutions”.
“If these amendments are not rejected Muslims of J&K will protest it as they see it as an assault on our religious institutions,” MMU said.
Another serious concern raised by MMU is the proposed removal of the provision of “waqf by user” which recognized that the long use of the property as a Waqf for religious and charitable purposes will establish its dedication as Waqf.
“So we urge you to reconsider and reject these proposed amendments and rather engage in meaningful talks with the Muslim community to address these apprehensions and concerns,” the MMU said.
It has also requested a meeting with the committee to discuss the matter further.
