“Our first concern is the proposed overtake of the Waqf by the Government through the authority of the collector,” added the MMU.
Another major concern, they said, isthe reduction of Muslim representation and increase in the number of Non-Muslim representation up to 13 in central Waqf council and 7 in State Waqf Boards and the arbitrary mandate given to them. “Earlier, all members except one were Muslim and they were Elected,” said the MMU.
“Furthermore, the proposed amendments will give the government the power to remove Waqf properties from the list of protected properties. This will allow the government to seize or sell valuable Waqf properties, leaving the Muslim community with fewer resources to support its religious and charitable activities,” said the MMU.
“Besides, the proposed amendments are a violation of the Muslim Personal Law, which is protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.”
The MMU said the Muslim majority region of Jammu and Kashmir feels very strongly about these amendments to the Waqf Act, seeing it as another attempt at undermining our religious freedom and the autonomy of our institutions.
“So we urge you to reconsider and reject these proposed amendments and rather engage in meaningful talks with the Muslim community to address these apprehensions and concerns and take suggestions from them regarding what kind of changes they would like to see, if any at all, to make the Waqf Act more effective for their benefit and not superimpose these discriminatory changes upon them.”