MMU Delegation Urges Rejection of Waqf Bill Amendments, Citing Threat to Muslim Community and Autonomy, Next meeting of JPC on Waqf Bill to be held on January 27
MMU Delegation led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) submitted a memorandum to the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Jagdambika Pal, in New Delhi on Friday, expressing deep concerns over proposed amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The MMU strongly opposed the amendments, claiming they are detrimental to the Muslim community’s interests and violate fundamental rights.
The memorandum highlighted that Waqf properties are sacred assets dedicated by Muslims for social welfare and public benefit. The MMU argued that these religious and social institutions should be free from state interference, but the proposed amendments threaten their autonomy and functioning.
A key concern raised was the reduction in Muslim representation on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, with a proposed increase in Non-Muslim representation. Previously, all but one member were Muslim and elected, but under the amendments, Non-Muslims would hold significant sway.
The MMU also criticized the provision allowing the government to remove Waqf properties from the list of protected assets, which could lead to the seizure or sale of valuable properties, ultimately limiting resources for religious and charitable work within the Muslim community. Furthermore, they claimed the amendments infringe upon Muslim Personal Law, safeguarded under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
The MMU reiterated that the Muslim-majority region of Jammu and Kashmir is particularly alarmed by these changes, viewing them as an attempt to undermine religious freedoms and institutional autonomy. The delegation urged the government to reconsider and reject the amendments and instead engage in dialogue with the Muslim community to address their concerns and collaborate on any potential changes to make the Waqf Act more beneficial without imposing discriminatory measures.
