Mirwaiz-led MMU oppose Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024

SRINAGAR — Over 40 religious groups under the banner of Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have submitted a memorandum to Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024.

According to the news agency ANB, the memorandum has highlighted serious objections to the proposed amendments, which the MMU believes undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions and violate constitutional rights.

The key concerns raised by the MMU read that the “amendments give collectors absolute power to alter Waqf property entries in revenue records and convert them into government properties.”

Similarly, the arbitrary powers conferred to collectors undermine the purpose of the Waqf Act, which is to protect properties dedicated to religious and charitable purposes.

The MMU stated that the “amendments propose reducing Muslim representation in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards. The non-Muslim representation is increased to 13 in the Central Waqf Council and 7 in State Waqf Boards, undermining Muslim leadership.”

It added, “Also, the mandatory requirement for the CEO of Waqf Boards to be Muslim has been removed.”

“The provision that long-term use of property for religious and charitable purposes designates it as Waqf is being removed. This exposes mosques, madrasas, shrines, and graveyards not recorded in revenue records to disputes and government appropriation,” it added further.

The MMU said in its memorandum that the amendments have religious implications in the Muslim-majority region of Jammu and Kashmir and it is an infringement on their religious freedom and institutional autonomy.

The MMU has requested an immediate rollback of the proposed amendments and engagement with Muslim stakeholders to address their concerns.

The other constituents of the MMU include Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar Kashmir, Muslim Personal Law Board Jammu and Kashmir, Darul Uloom Rahimiyah Bandipora J&K, Jamiat Ahle Hadith J&K, Karwan-e-Islami J&K, Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen J&K, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, and Jamat-i-Islami J&K, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam and Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam J&K, Awami Rahat Trust Kashmir, Muhammadi Yateem Trust Kashmir etc.