NC leader criticizes BJP over Waqf Amendment Bill, calls it attack on secularism

SRINAGAR — National Conference (NC) leader Bashir Ahmad Nengroo on Sunday criticized the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of undermining secular principles with the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.

Nengroo, speaking exclusively with The Kashmir Pulse from Pulwama district in southern Kashmir, said the bill is a direct attack on the Constitutional rights of Muslims and threatens to strip Waqf properties from the community. “The BJP is using this bill to grab Muslim properties and marginalize the community in India’s democratic setup,” he said.

He further accused the government of consistently targeting minority groups, particularly Muslims, through divisive and hateful politics. “They advocate Ram Rajya, but their actions are harmful to minorities,” Nengroo added.

He urged parliamentarians to reflect on the historical contributions of Muslims, particularly during India’s freedom struggle. Nengroo reaffirmed the NC’s commitment to equal rights for all, regardless of religion, region, or caste, and emphasized the party’s dedication to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh, and working towards the reinstatement of Article 370.

Nengroo also questioned the BJP’s claims of improved security in Kashmir, pointing to ongoing attacks that continue to claim the lives of security forces. “The BJP cherry-picks what to highlight, ignoring the ongoing violence in the region,” he said.

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has drawn criticism from several opposition leaders who see it as an effort to dilute the rights of Muslims in India.

It is in place to state here that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024. It seeks to repeal Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 and amend the Waqf Act, 1995. The Act regulates Waqf property in India and defines Waqf as an endowment of movable or immovable property for purposes considered pious, religious, or charitable under Muslim law. The Bill renames the Act to ‘United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995’.