Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti expressed her opposition to the Waqf Bill in strong words. “India, which was once known for its unity and cultural harmony, is now witnessing a systematic attack on minority rights.
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Several regional political leaders in Jammu & Kashmir on Wednesday (April 2, 2025) expressed their dismay over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, terming it as “blatant interference” in the Muslim community, and part of a “systematic attack on minority rights”. However, J&K Waqf chairperson Darakshan Andrabi, a BJP leader, hailed the Centre’s proposed legislation as a step that will help poor Muslims.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha LIVE

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti expressed her opposition to the Bill in strong words. “India, which was once known for its unity and cultural harmony, is now witnessing a systematic attack on minority rights. The BJP wants to take control of our properties. The BJP rule is not permanent but the country will be in ruins by the time they leave. The BJP started with lynching of Muslims and taking over religious places and the Bill is a continuation of that process,” Ms. Mufti said. 

Former MP and National Conference (NC) MLA Justice (Retired) Hasnain Masoodi termed the Bill as “an act against the rights of Muslims”. He claimed that the Union government was singling out a section of the population and violating their rights. “No such law exists elsewhere. Reforms should not come at the cost of diluting the control of Muslim society,” Mr. Masoodi said.

‘Blatant interference’

The J&K Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone also opposed the Bill. “The proposed amendment by the Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightful custodians of their authority. Yet another right-wing trespass,” Mr. Lone said. 

Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who attended the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Bill, said the move was “very unfortunate and disturbing”.

“Not even one of the serious concerns and reservations raised by the Muslim organisations including the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), which I lead before the JPC in New Delhi, was addressed. Today, crores of Muslims in India, like mute spectators, are haplessly watching their rights and institutions being blatantly undermined, and feel greatly let down,” the Mirwaiz said.

‘Assault on religious rights’

J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari warned that if the Bill was passed, “it will deprive the Muslim community of control over Waqf assets as well as their administration”.

“No one opposes measures for better management and transparency, but such legislation is not necessary. Improvement and transparency can be achieved without amending the existing Waqf Act,” Mr. Bukhari said.

J&K Peoples Democratic Front (JKPDF) president Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen described the Bill as “a direct assault on the religious rights of Muslims and an infringement upon their faith”.

“Such amendments go against the secular ethos of the Indian Constitution. Muslims from J&K and across the country have made immense sacrifices for India’s independence, and the government must respect their rights and aspirations,” Mr. Yaseen said.

J&K Anjuman-E-Sharie Shian president and Shia cleric Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi said the Bill removes the spirit of the Muslim endowment”.

“It is a clear and motivated encroachment into religious practice and an assault on the religious institution, which has existed for about 14 centuries,” he said.

‘Will lead to upliftment’

Meanwhile, BJP leader and J&K Waqf chairperson Ms. Andrabi said the Bill “would contribute to the progress of the Muslim community”.

“It contained no provisions against Muslims. I don’t see anything in the Bill that is against Muslims. If the Waqf owns vast land resources, why do so many Muslims continue to struggle with poverty? Proper management and accountability of the Waqf Board will lead to the upliftment of our community,” Ms. Andrabi said.

The Waqf owns property in the shape of business centres and orchards in this region.