Muslim leaders, religious heads reject proposed Waqf Amendment Bill
Hyderabad: Muslim religious and community leaders of Telangana have unanimously rejected the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill presently under scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Representatives of eminent religious and social organisations, legal experts, leading clerics, journalists, and others were united in opposing the proposed Bill during a meeting convened by government adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir here on Monday.
The participants opined that the proposal was not just an amendment but an attempt to completely replace the existing law. They described it as a conspiracy to end Waqf institutions across the country by interfering with the control, administration, and management of Waqf properties.
Muslim leaders expressed fears that the BJP-led Central government was trying to intervene in the Shariah by expanding its control over the day-to-day affairs of Waqf institutions, while handing over all their powers to the district collectors. They slammed the Centre for attempting to take over Waqf properties as government properties through the proposed amendment.
They strongly objected to the proposed mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board and Central Waqf Council. They wondered if the Centre would amend the Endowment Act to induct non-Hindus into the management of temples. They alleged that the main intention of the BJP government was to incite the Muslim community and create a rift among various sects.
They also alleged that the proposed law was aimed at ending all the pending cases over the title of disputed properties between Waqf boards and the state or central governments.
The leaders warned the community of a misinformation campaign being run by RSS-backed intellectuals and organisations who are falsely trying to give the impression that Waqf properties are evacuee properties. They clarified that evacuee properties were handed over to the CCLAs long ago, and the existing properties have nothing to do with those who migrated to Pakistan.
They suggested that the proposed Bill should be opposed at both the political and legal levels and called for a movement similar to the anti-CAA protests to oppose it.
The meeting also resolved to seek the support of the Christian community in the fight against the Waqf Amendment Bill, as the Christian community owns more properties than the Waqf, and they could be the next target of the Union government.
Shabbir Ali assured to convey their views to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and convince him to make an official representation to the JPC on behalf of the state government.
Telangana Waqf Board chairman Syed Azmatullah Hussaini informed the gathering that a special meeting of the board would be convened on August 29, during which a detailed resolution would be passed against the Waqf amendment.
