J&K outrightly rejects Waqf Bill as it violates religious rights of Muslim community: Muzaffar Shah

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

“Bill undermines Articles 25, 26 & 30 of the Constitution; Threatens Federalism & Minority Rights”

FARH KITAB 

SRINAGAR JAN 28:-J&K Awami National Conference Senior Vice President Muzaffar Shah today strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, stating it would not be accepted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir as it violates their constitutional and religious rights.

“This bill is a blatant attack on the autonomy of the Muslim community and a direct violation of Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution,” Shah said.

He criticized it for centralizing power and undermining federalism while observing that the central government has no authority to interfere in waqf properties, which have always been a state subject, terming the attempt to strip states of their rights.

Shah highlighted the discriminatory nature of the bill, particularly its impact on minority rights. He emphasized that provisions allowing non-Muslim members in Waqf Councils and State Waqf Boards undermine the Muslim community’s right to manage its religious affairs.

“Including non-Muslim representatives in waqf governance violates Article 30 and dilutes the community’s representation,” he argued.

He also raised concerns over the removal of judicial oversight, calling it a blow to accountability and transparency.

“Without proper judicial oversight, the system becomes vulnerable to exploitation,” Shah warned. He further criticized the arbitrary powers granted to district collectors, stating, “Allowing collectors to determine whether a property is waqf or government land invites misuse of power and violates principles of natural justice.”

Shah condemned the government for failing to consult affected communities before drafting the bill.

“Introducing such a bill without engaging stakeholders, especially the Muslim community, raises serious questions about its democratic legitimacy. This approach is exclusionary and contrary to the participatory governance outlined in the Constitution,” he stated.

Concluding his remarks, Shah reaffirmed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would strongly oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill.

“We will not accept this bill, come what may. It threatens our constitutional rights, undermines minority autonomy and disregards the federal structure of our nation,” he declared.