Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday cautioned that singling out one community in the ongoing debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, would only escalate tensions.
Speaking to the media about the widespread protests against the proposed bill, Abdullah emphasized the significance of the Waqf Board in Muslim charitable activities.
“No religion is devoid of charitable activities. The Muslim community conducts its charity through the Waqf Board. If only one community is being targeted, it is natural that tensions will rise,” he said.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide protest against the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Following a large demonstration in Delhi on March 17, the AIMPLB has called for further state-level protests in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29.
AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas expressed gratitude to various Muslim organizations, civil society groups, and minority leaders for their united stand against the bill.
“The Delhi protest was a success, thanks to the grace of Allah and the collective efforts of different communities. We also thank opposition parties and MPs who rejected the proposed legislation,” Ilyas stated.
The AIMPLB’s 31-member Action Committee has resolved to use all constitutional, legal, and democratic means to oppose what it calls a “controversial, discriminatory, and damaging” bill. Protests, seminars, and district-level dharna demonstrations will be held, and memorandums will be submitted to the President of India through District Magistrates.
Reacting to the protests, Waqf JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jaagdambika Pal accused the AIMPLB and its supporters of “spreading instability” in the country.
“They are misleading the minorities and creating instability through these protests. We had invited AIMPLB to present their views before the Waqf JPC, and we incorporated their inputs. The government hasn’t even introduced the amended bill yet—so what are they protesting against?” Pal questioned.
He further argued that the proposed amendments would benefit the poor by introducing digitization, audits, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties.
“The law is still in progress. It will remove those who have been misusing Waqf properties for personal gain, yet they are protesting to create unrest,” Pal added.
With tensions mounting, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, remains at the center of a heated national debate, with both supporters and critics gearing up for a prolonged political battle.
