Grand Mufti of J&K to approach Supreme Court regarding Waqf Amendment, MMU meeting on April 7 in Kashmir

Srinagar: Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the largest forum of religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a direct interference in the religious affairs of Muslims and said that they were in touch with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board to decide the future course of action.

The MMU will meet on April 7 in Srinagar to work out a plan of action. Grand Mufti of J&K Mufti Nasir ul Islam, who is also part MMU, said they are planning to approach the Supreme Court against this bill as it violates the Constitution of India.

“The amended bill is direct interference in the religious affairs of Muslims with a view to curtail the autonomy of these bodies by the Centre and control them further,” read the official statement of MMU. They said that Waqf has historically played a vital role in serving the socio-religious needs of the Muslim community and is vital to its sustenance.

The MMU stated that the ostensible intent projected by the ruling BJP that it is meant to improve the functioning of Waqf institutions does not cut ice with the Muslim community. “Muslims are aware of the larger political agenda and approach towards them by those who brought the bill in Parliament,” the MMU said.

They said it is a deliberate attempt to “undermine the religious and community institutions of Muslims and encroach upon them over time”.

“The MMU leadership is already in touch with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other prominent Muslim organisations across India to discuss a collective and unified response to this development,” they said.

Mufti Nasir ul Islam said this bill is an attack on the basic structure of the Constitution and a war against Muslims that will have far-reaching consequences. “It will impact the whole country... as this bill is against the Constitution. We will approach the Supreme Court for justice,” said Mufti Nasir ul Islam.

“Muslims are the second-largest community in this country who played a much more important role in the Independence of India than the Hindus,” he said. Grand Mufti of J&K further said that Muslims of India had the option to leave the country in 1947 and join Pakistan but they stayed back. “Is this the reward for the 78 years of their sacrifices? BJP is running the RSS agenda to see Muslims as second-class citizens of the country,” he said.