J&K CM Omar Abdullah says protests against Waqf Bill understandable

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill taking place across the country are understandable.

Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly, CM Omar Abdullah said the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill were understandable, as only a particular religion is being targeted through this amendment.

He told reporters, “Charitable activities are linked to all religions, and Muslims carry out these through Waqf. When a particular religion is targeted, there will be tension.”

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide agitation against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. As part of the first phase of the protest, large sit-ins are planned in front of the state assemblies in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29.

Parliament’s joint committee has submitted its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Although it's not officially listed, there's speculation that the bill might be brought up for passage in Parliament during the ongoing budget session.

A 31-member panel has reviewed the bill, suggesting several amendments after multiple sittings and hearings. However, opposition members have disagreed with these amendments.

The joint committee has adopted the report containing changes suggested by members of the ruling BJP by a majority vote.

The opposition has strongly criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, dubbing it an attempt to destroy Waqf boards. The bill was referred to the joint committee on August 8 last year, following its introduction in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

It must be mentioned that J&K has huge Waqf properties worth billions of rupees. In most cases, these properties were brought under public ownership during the Lt Governor’s rule, but still, there were many properties owned by certain families and local religious boards.

(inputs from IANS)