Srinagar: National Conference leaders and MLA’s Sajad Shaheen and Hasnain Masoodi has strongly opposed the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it an act of religious interference and an attack on the autonomy of Muslim institutions.
Speaking to media persons outside CM’s residence in Srinagar Shaheen as per news agency JKNS criticized the bill’s provision allowing the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf boards and the central Waqf Council, stating that “it undermines the traditional management of Muslim religious and charitable properties. He warned that these changes could lead to excessive government control over Waqf assets, threatening the constitutional rights of the Muslim community.”
Meanwhile, senior NC leader Hasnain Masoodi vowed to oppose the bill “tooth, nail, and hammer,” calling it “unnecessary and undemocratic.” He alleged that the Joint Parliamentary Committee failed to function in a democratic manner and accused the government of deliberately targeting a particular community.
“A particular community is being targeted deliberately. There is no such law anywhere in the world. We will oppose it tooth and nail,” Masoodi said, emphasizing that the bill sets a dangerous precedent of state interference in religious matters.
Masoodi further stated, “Reforming does not mean snatching the rights of a particular community. This bill is just the beginning, and if passed, it will have extreme consequences.” He warned that the move could lead to broader encroachments on Muslim religious affairs in the future.
“We will take every step under the Constitution to oppose this bill. This is direct interference in Muslim affairs, and we will not allow the rights of our community to be eroded,” he asserted, adding that NC will mobilize all democratic and legal means to challenge the bill. (JKNS)
