Waqf Land Issue: Karnataka Committee Seeks Resolution for Farmers, Temples, and Mutts
HUBBALI: The Waqf Fact-Finding Committee led by Chitradurga MP and former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol met with the Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill Jagdambika Pal and submitted a report highlighting alleged Waqf encroachments on agricultural lands and properties belonging to farmers, mutts, and temples.
The Karjol-led fact-finding committee has prepared the report based on their discussions with the people, farmers, and also seers and temple administrations whose land was notified as Waqf land.
The committee, which included MLAs Harish Poonja, Mahesh Tenginkai, former MLA Arun Shahapur, advocate MB Jirali and Raitha Morcha General Secretary Kalmurudappa, discussed the adverse impact of Waqf property designations on local farmers.
Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and Legislative Assembly Deputy Opposition Leader Arvind Bellad were also present on the occasion.
Earlier JPC Chairperson Jagdambika Pal addressed a press conference, questioning how it would be possible to designate lands belonging to farmers, mutts, and temples as Waqf property without the involvement of officials.
He raised concerns about lands with historical records dating back 500 to 1,000 years being classified as Waqf properties and the alterations made in property and revenue records to support these designations.
“This is a serious issue. We have already received over 70 petitions, and several MLAs have also submitted pleas, raising concerns that thousands of farmers are affected by this,” Pal stated. He also acknowledged the assistance of MP Tejasvi Surya, who has provided additional details regarding the situation in Karnataka.
Pal cited instances across districts such as Hubballi, Bidar, Gulbarga, and Shivamogga, where property of mutts and temples are reportedly marked as Waqf land. He also spoke about how lands cultivated by farmers since the early 20th century were now being classified as Waqf property.
Pal noted that the Karnataka government had recently announced plans to withdraw notices that had alarmed farmers, adding that this would likely prevent immediate evictions. However, he questioned if this alone would resolve the larger issue.
Pal further highlighted that despite lacking supporting documentation, certain properties are still being designated as Waqf.
He assured that the JPC was committed to investigating the matter thoroughly, visiting states across the country, including upcoming trips to Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, to compile a comprehensive report for the central government.
In response to queries, Pal explained that the JPC, formed by the Speaker, comprises members from various political parties.