Sajjad Lone Opposes Waqf Board Plan to Pre-Screen Friday Sermons in J&K Mosques
By : Sheikh Mohammad Isa
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president Sajjad Lone on Tuesday opposed the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board’s reported proposal to review and decide the topics of Friday sermons through a committee, describing the move as interference in religious freedom and the autonomy of mosques.
In a post on X, Lone criticised the proposed arrangement, arguing that the content of religious sermons should not be subject to government oversight.
“Pre-vetting and deciding Friday sermons through a J&K Waqf Board committee is direct interference in religious freedom and pulpit autonomy. The pulpit belongs to faith, not government micromanagement. Hands off our mosques,” Lone wrote.
His remarks came amid growing opposition from political leaders and religious organisations to the reported plan to introduce greater uniformity in Friday sermons across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have also expressed objections to the reported initiative.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the Waqf Board’s role in managing religious institutions and the question of who should determine the subjects discussed during Friday prayers.
While opponents have raised concerns about religious freedom and the independence of religious leaders, the debate continues over the proposed role of the Waqf Board in overseeing sermons delivered in mosques across Jammu and Kashmir.
Add a stronger news-focused headlineMake the opening paragraph more concise
You Might Also Like:
Education In Kashmir with Complete Statistics
TCS Nashik ‘Conversion’ Scandal: Accused Nida Khan Suspended as Sexual Harassment and Coercion Probe Intensifies
