Srinagar, Apr 9: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the Waqf Amendment Act, saying the legislation has upset a large portion of the population and reflects government interference in the religious matters of the Muslim community.
While speaking with a limited media gathering in Jammu, Omar Abdullah, as per the news agency JKNS, said, “A major section of the nation is upset with the bill and they feel that the government is interfering in their religious matters.”
Calling the amendment unnecessary and biased, he remarked, “There was no need for the Waqf Amendment Act. A religion is being targeted.”
Criticising the provision that allows members of other faiths to oversee Waqf affairs, Omar questioned the double standards. “Non-Muslims are being allowed to review Waqf activities. Do you allow non-Hindus to monitor the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board? Would any non-Sikhs be permitted to scrutinize SGPC affairs?” he asked.
He said such provisions send a wrong message to the community. “This move only deepens the sense of alienation among Muslims. It is an attempt to weaken Muslim religious institutions,” he said.
The Chief Minister also indicated that legal steps may be taken. “The party has likely decided to challenge the Waqf Amendment Act in the Supreme Court,” he added. (JKNS)
