Srinagar: A unified and resounding rejection of the controversial Waqf Amendment Act echoed across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following a call by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU).
According to Kashmir Media Service, a six-point resolution prepared by the MMU was read out during Friday congregational prayers in major mosques, shrines, khanqahs, and Imambaras throughout the territory, including the Kashmir Valley, Jammu region, Leh, and Kargil. The resolution received overwhelming public support, demanding immediate withdrawal of the Act.
The MMU expressed deep concern over several provisions of the amended law, stating it undermines the religious character of Waqf institutions and strips Muslim-led Waqf Boards of their authority.
The resolution highlighted key issues, including reduced powers of Muslim-led Waqf Boards, increased control by non-Muslim officials, removal of the condition requiring a Muslim Chief Executive Officer, transfer of key decisions to district collectors, repeal of Section 40, which allowed Waqf Boards to determine property status and elimination of the “Waqf by long-standing use” clause, endangering historical mosques and graveyards lacking formal documentation.
The MMU emphasized that the management of Waqf must remain in the hands of those who understand its spiritual and legal essence. It also reaffirmed full support to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and pledged to back any lawful course of action taken by the Board.
The MMU urged the Muslim community to stay united, vigilant, and actively engaged in defending the sanctity and autonomy of religious endowments.