Srinagar: A delegation from the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a coalition of religious organizations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, will meet with Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, in New Delhi tomorrow. The group, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, seeks to express its concerns regarding the proposed changes to the bill.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the delegation includes prominent figures such as the region’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, Maulana Rehmatullah, Aga Syed Hassan, and others from Kargil and Leh. Their primary concern is that the amendments could jeopardize the autonomy and intended use of Waqf properties, potentially allowing the Indian government to declassify protected assets.

The MMU has issued a statement from Srinagar underscoring that the amendments could diminish Muslim representation in Waqf governing bodies and contravene Muslim personal law. The group is worried that these changes could increase fears of marginalization among the Muslim community.

Previously, the MMU communicated with Jagdambika Pal, stressing the necessity for meaningful dialogue. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq pointed out the importance of addressing the concerns of the Muslim-majority region thoughtfully, voicing apprehension that enhanced government control over Waqf institutions could be an unnecessary intrusion.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee last August following widespread criticism. Opposition from multiple stakeholders, including the Indian Opposition, has emerged. The committee is presently consulting with legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community leaders, with plans to deliver its final report in the forthcoming Budget Session of the Indian Parliament.