Muslim Organization Demands Rejection of Waqf Amendment Bill

The All India Qaumi Tanzeem, led by Congress MP Tariq Anwar, has urged the rejection of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, labeling it an indirect attempt to seize Muslim religious properties. The bill has sparked controversy, with objections over the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf Boards and Council.

A Muslim organization, led by Congress MP Tariq Anwar, has vociferously opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, presented in Lok Sabha on August 8. The All India Qaumi Tanzeem terms the bill an 'indirect attempt to seize control of Muslim religious properties.'

In a detailed 14-page document, the organization submitted suggestions and objections to the Parliament's joint committee through the Lok Sabha Secretariat. They argue that the bill is a direct violation of Constitutional Rights under Articles 14, 25, 26, and 29, which guarantee freedom and non-interference in religious matters for minorities.

A key contention lies in the provision allowing non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards. The organization fears this could misrepresent Muslims as communal and cites the exclusion of Muslims from the management of Hindu religious institutions as a precedent. They further argue the bill is an ill-conceived attempt to control approximately 870,000 Waqf properties, making the Waqf Board the third-largest land owner in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)