Developing Story

MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Meets Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Delhi

January 29, 2025 by NOK Desk

Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi called on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Delhi on Wednesday, sources said. The duo discussed Waqf Amendment Bill and several other issues during the meeting.

Sources told that it was a courtesy call as Aga Ruhullah is in the capital for the upcoming Budget session. Mirwaiz is also in Delhi after he led a delegation of Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) to meet Jagdambika Pal, chairman Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf Amendment Bill last week.

Sources added that several issues, including the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill issue came up for discussion during Aga Ruhullah’s meeting Mirwaiz today. The meeting assumes significance amid the ongoing row between the opposition and the ruling BJP over the Waqf Amendment Bill.

On Friday, the MMU delegation led by Mirwaiz presented a detailed memorandum to the JPC about its stand on the proposed amendments.

The meeting marked the first engagement of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq with MPs after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh – in August 2019.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, was referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament for examination following objections by the Opposition over its clauses.

The bill faces opposition due to changes in the composition of the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, restrictions on the power of Waqf boards, and the mandatory registration of Waqf properties with the district collector’s office Notably, the JPC on Monday voted in favour of 14 alterations to the draft version of the Waqf Amendment Bill, which includes distinguishing between the mandatory two non-Muslim members – as specified in the original draft of the bill – and nominated ex-officio members (Muslim or non-Muslim).

These changes, and the 12 others, were proposed by members from the ruling BJP, including Lok Sabha MPs Nishikant Dubey, Tejasvi Surya and Aparajita Sarangi. The JPC has 16 MPs from the BJP or allied parties and only 10 from the opposition.

The opposition’s proposals were rejected by a 10:16 vote after committee members voted on party lines. The JPC today adopted the draft report after a 16-10 majority vote. The report will be presented to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla tomorrow—(KNO)

Developing Story

Peace Cannot Be Achieved Through ‘Muscular Policy’: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Urges PM Modi to Resolve Kashmir Issue

January 28, 2025 by NOK Desk

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a unique opportunity to create a historic legacy by resolving the Kashmir issue and establishing long-term peace in the region. Speaking on Monday, Farooq emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through a “muscular policy” and reaffirmed that the Hurriyat is prepared for “meaningful and transparent engagement” as the only viable path forward. He highlighted that the Hurriyat’s past engagements with the central government during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh laid a foundation for broader dialogue, which should now be continued.

Currently in Delhi, Mirwaiz’s visit has raised speculation regarding potential engagement with the Centre. Last week, he and other religious leaders from the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) met with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to express their concerns about the Waqf Amendment Bill. Mirwaiz emphasized the Hurriyat’s willingness to engage in dialogue, stating, “We chose to come here and meet with the JPC instead of taking to the streets. Our openness to talk with MPs reflects our readiness for broader engagement.”

Mirwaiz reiterated that the Hurriyat has always been committed to a transparent and meaningful dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue. He expressed hope that PM Modi would heed these calls and work towards lasting peace in the subcontinent by addressing Kashmir’s concerns. He also reminded Modi of the previous endorsement of Vajpayee’s vision of “Insaniyat, Jamooriyat, and Kashmiriyat” for Jammu and Kashmir, urging him to take practical steps to demonstrate change on the ground for the alienated population of the region.

During the past week, Mirwaiz met influential figures such as Maulana Mehmood Madani, president of Jamiat e Ulama-i-Hind, and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi, both of whom have been involved in Kashmir’s political discourse. In the coming days, he is expected to meet more key individuals and visit religious seminaries, including Darul Uloom Deoband and Nadwat ul Uloom.

Reflecting on past efforts, Mirwaiz recalled how the Hurriyat had engaged in dialogue when it was unpopular and even labeled as “Advani Hurriyat.” Despite facing challenges, he reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only way forward and that the Hurriyat has been steadfast in its commitment to peace talks since its inception.

Developing Story

BJP MPs Appreciate Mirwaiz’s Participation in Democratic Process as He Appears Before Panel on Waqf Bil

January 25, 2025 by NOK Desk

In a surprising turn of events, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the religious leader of Kashmir, appeared before a parliamentary committee to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. His appearance before the committee was seen as a positive step by several BJP Members of Parliament (MPs), as it showed his willingness to be part of the democratic process.

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Mirwaiz Farooq, who is also the leader of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema, a group of Muslim organizations, is known for his separatist views in the region. However, his decision to engage in the parliamentary process was praised by BJP MPs. They appreciated that despite his past associations, he chose to express his concerns through constitutional means.

Mirwaiz’s Concerns About the Waqf Bill

During his appearance before the committee, Mirwaiz Farooq strongly opposed some parts of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He argued that the amendments would violate the Muslim Personal Law, which is protected under India’s Constitution. He mentioned Article 25, which ensures the right to practice religion, and Article 26, which protects the freedom to manage religious affairs.

Mirwaiz’s submission in writing to the committee highlighted his objections to the Bill and its impact on the Muslim community’s religious rights. He stressed that the proposed amendments could interfere with the management of religious institutions and assets.

BJP MPs React Positively

BJP MPs, including Sanjay Jaiswal and Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, appreciated Mirwaiz’s decision to be part of the democratic process. They praised him for using his constitutional rights to express his views on the Bill. Jaiswal also noted that despite Mirwaiz’s past association with separatist politics, he took part in the democratic process by appearing before the parliamentary committee.

BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal also welcomed Mirwaiz’s involvement, stating that it was a good sign for democracy that Mirwaiz participated in the discussion, even if they disagreed on some points. Jaiswal added that calling anyone “separatist” is not appropriate when they are part of a parliamentary process, as committees represent a mini Parliament.

Opposition Members Delay the Proceedings

While BJP MPs appreciated Mirwaiz’s participation, opposition members from Congress, Trinamool Congress, and DMK caused a delay in the proceedings. They raised concerns about not having enough time to study the Bill and wanted more time to discuss it. Despite these protests, the meeting continued after the suspension of the 10 opposition MPs who had disrupted the process.

Conclusion

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s decision to appear before the parliamentary committee on the Waqf Bill is seen as a significant moment in the democratic process. His participation, despite his previous separatist views, is a step towards constructive engagement in the country’s democratic system. While he expressed strong opposition to certain provisions of the Bill, his involvement in the discussion is an example of how democratic processes allow for dialogue and disagreement.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Opposes Waqf Amendment Bill in Stormy Parliamentary Committee Meeting

January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 by NOK Desk

Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee of using “unparliamentary” language against him.

He said that the house was adjourned twice due to the alleged ruckus created by the opposition leaders, who have been suspended from the JPC meeting.

Pal said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey moved a motion to suspend the opposition MPs for creating a “ruckus” after they resorted to “shouting” and “sloganeering” while not allowing the meeting to continue.

“We adjourned the house twice. We had given time to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the suggestions of the opposition only. Kalyan Banerjee used unparliamentary words against me and abused me. I kept requesting him to let the invitees speak.

However, they were adamant about creating a ruckus. We adjourned the house again and again but they (opposition MPs) did not want the meeting to continue. From Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation had come but they (opposition MPs) kept shouting and sloganeering…so finally Nishikant Dubey had to move a motion and everyone agreed to suspend them,” Jagdambika Pal told ANI.

Responding to allegations of changing the subject of the notice for the JPC sitting, Pal said that the agenda was changed only for today and considering the requests made by the opposition, who wanted Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be invited to the meeting.

“We changed the agenda for today only on the request of the opposition leaders who contacted me saying that Mirwaiz should be invited and shifted today’s agenda (to hold a discussion clause-by-clause to January 27,” Pal added.

Responding to the allegations of rushing the proceedings for the JPC meeting owing to Delhi assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said that it was Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju who urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC and not the opposition.

“If the government wanted to hasten things, why would it refer the bill to JPC? The government has a majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The opposition didn’t, but Kiren Rijiju, after introducing it in the Parliament, himself urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC,” Pal said, adding, “Mirwaiz and his delegation expressed their concerns and raised objections to certain sections (of the bill). This shows that the parliamentary democracy in the country is being strengthened.”

Earlier in the day, all the Opposition MPs that are part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, were suspended from Friday’s sitting. The suspended MPs include Mohammad Jawaid, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader A Raja, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Nasir Hussain, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mohibbullah Nadvi, M. Abdullah, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Congress’ Imran Masood.

“What is going on is an undeclared emergency,” Banerjee asserted while referring to the happenings inside the JPC meeting. He said that the subject and dates for the meeting were changed after they landed in Delhi for the meet. The TMC MP accused the government of “hurrying” owing to the upcoming Assembly polls in the national capital, which are scheduled to be held on February 5.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey accused the Opposition of creating a “ruckus” during the JPC meeting, saying that their conduct was against parliamentary democracy. He informed the next meeting will happen on January 27 and submission to the Speaker will happen on January 29.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the Budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament.
The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)

Developing Story

Mirwaiz Omar Farooq Reaches Parliament of India to Present Concerns on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 by NOK Desk

The head of the Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema (MMU) and the chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, arrived in Parliament today to participate in a significant meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq emphasized the importance of this meeting, stating, “Our delegation from the Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema (MMU) is here to meet the JPC. We have prepared a detailed proposal on the proposed amendments to the Waqf Bill, and we intend to present our concerns and suggestions during this session.”

The cleric expressed hope that the JPC members would take their concerns seriously and address them appropriately. “We aim to ensure that the issues surrounding the Waqf properties and their management are resolved effectively. The proposed amendments should benefit all stakeholders and uphold the sanctity and purpose of Waqf institutions,” he added.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to address various challenges related to the management of Waqf properties, including issues of transparency, digitization, and reclaiming encroached assets. The input from influential figures like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and his delegation highlights the critical role of community leaders in shaping the discourse around these amendments.

This meeting is a significant step toward fostering collaboration between lawmakers and religious organizations, ensuring that the proposed reforms cater to the needs of the community while aligning with the broader legislative framework.

Developing Story / International

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Applies for Arrest Warrants Against Taliban Leaders Over Crimes Against Humanity

March 24, 2026January 23, 2025 by NOK Desk

The International Criminal Court prosecutor said on Thursday he had applied for arrest warrants for two Taliban leaders in Afghanistan including supreme spiritual leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, accusing them of crimes against humanity for widespread discrimination against women and girls.

A statement issued by the office of chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said evidence collected as part of investigations provided reasonable grounds to believe that Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, who has served as chief justice since 2021, “bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds.”

They are “criminally responsible for persecuting Afghan girls and women, as well as persons whom the Taliban perceived as not conforming with their ideological expectations of gender identity or expression, and persons whom the Taliban perceived as allies of girls and women,” the statement said.

The persecution has taken place from at least Aug 15, 2021 until the present day, across the territory of Afghanistan and is ongoing, the prosecutor said.

There was no immediate comment by Taliban leaders on the prosecutor’s statement.

It will now be up to a three-judge panel at the ICC to rule on the prosecution request, which has no set deadline. Such procedures take an average of three months.

In August last year, the Taliban codified a long set of rules governing morality in line with Islamic sharia law. The rules are enforced by the morality ministry, which says it has detained thousands of people for violations.

Khan said his office was demonstrating its commitment to pursuing accountability for gender-based crimes and that the Taliban’s interpretation of sharia could not be a justification for human rights abuses or crimes.

The prosecutor said Afghan women and girls are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing “persecution” by the Taliban. “Our action signals that the status quo for women and girls in Afghanistan is not acceptable,” he added.

The Afghanistan probe is one of the longest by ICC prosecutors and has been beset by legal and practical delays. The initial preliminary examination started in 2007 and it was only in 2022 that a full-scale investigation moved forward.

Since Taliban returned to power in 2021 it has clamped down on women’s rights, including limits to schooling, work and general independence in daily life.