Srinagar: The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a prominent Islamic coalition in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), has expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, citing concerns over religious autonomy and rights. The group has threatened to initiate protests if the amendments are not reconsidered.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the MMU, under the leadership of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has sent a detailed letter to Shri Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment Bill) 2024. The letter stresses that the proposed amendments could potentially convert Waqf properties into government assets and increase non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards, undermining the Muslim community’s control over its religious institutions.

The MMU has outlined several issues with the amendments, including fears that they infringe on both the religious and constitutional rights of Muslims in the region. The organization argues that these changes are part of a broader effort to dilute the religious freedom and institutional autonomy of Muslims in IIOJK. They have called for the JPC to engage in meaningful discussions with the Muslim community and to allow for an MMU delegation to meet with the committee for further deliberations.