Muslims’ identity, assets, wealth being taken away: MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

Bandipora, Apr 02: MLA Bandipora and Congress chief whip, Nizamuddin Bhat today strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it "a discriminatory" against specific Muslim sect.

He said the bill threatens the community’s faith, identity, and historical institutions, shrines, particularly the Baitul Mal, which was made for widows, the needy, the weak, or those not interested in employment in the government sector.

“This is our asset," he said referring to Waqf and Baitul-Mal, adding, it holds great significance and has religious sanctity, which is purely based on religious slogans and government needs to "take care of it."

Bhat said that “Religion, sanctity and belief are not meaningless words. All this comes under the purview of the Waqf."

"This is our Sharia, this is our one desire and the institution used to encompass these desires," he said.

He acknowledged that no system is without flaws but argued that the institution's merits far outweigh its shortcomings.

“There must have been flaws in it. Where aren't the flaws found?" he questioned.

Bhat said that "imperfection is the value," as no one can be perfect.

"But despite the flaws, Waqfs characteristics, which was our asset, is being snatched away from us," Bhat said.

Bhat made a passionate appeal to the Prime Minister, urging him not to pass the bill.

“We appealed a lot to Prime Minister. Muslims all over India raised hue and cry, our current Chief Minister also expressed concerns in his own way," Bhat said.

He added, in central government, "No one has any concern."

Expressing skepticism he continued, "I don't know how this bill will be passed, but our appeal will be to the central government not to pass the bill given religious freedom guaranteed in the Constitution.”

He warned that the bill is an attack on the fundamental rights of Muslims.

Bhat said the bill was targeting a "specific section, their assets, their identity and wealth."

He said soon these actions will force people attached with it to not even be its part, adding, "Even its image, a unique image in which there is a lot of Islamic component, is being torn apart."

Bhat also pointed out the historical struggle of Muslims in India and their contributions to hold India together during turbulent times.

"To save India's traditions, history, civilization and unity," Bhat said the Waqf Bill shouldn't pass.

He said rather to make, "Muslims realize that this is the homeland and it is also yours," and making them realise that practising religion freely is the "the reward of your sacrifices.

"They should not pass this bill keeping this in mind,” he added.