Political parties in Kashmir oppose Waqf amendment bill

Srinagar, Apr 2: Several political parties in Kashmir today opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, moved by the central government in Parliament.

Mehbooba Mufti

Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti today said that the bill is designed to disempower Muslims.

“I do not have any hope with BJP but have high hopes with secular Hindus. They must come forward as this country has to run as per the constitution,” she said. The former Chief Minister said that the Muslims in India have faced persecution, targeted lynching incidents, and encroachments on graveyards and urged the Hindus to rise against such injustices.

Dr Mustafa Kamal

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal vehemently denounced the Waqf bill introduced by the ruling BJP.

He stated that the bill flagrantly violates the rights of Muslims to practice their religious duties and is a blatant attempt to unlawfully seize properties owned by Muslims. In a statement Kamal expressed his strong opposition to the bill, labeling it as unconstitutional and against the interests of the Muslim community.

President of J&K Jamait Hamdani Moulana Riyaz Hamdani and Chief Spokesperson GM Saqi have condemned the move for what they termed as weakening of prestigious Waqf Board. Moulana Riyaz Hamdani chaired a meeting against the move to weaken Waqf Board.

“Waqf Board has been working for welfare of people. We resent the move to weaken the Waqf,” Saqi said.

Altaf Bukhari

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that if the bill is passed, it will deprive the Muslim community of control over Waqf assets as well as their administration. He strongly opposed the controversial amendments to the existing law (Waqf Act, 1995) and stated that the ongoing legislation is completely unnecessary, a statement said.

Bukhari said, “The government claims that this amendment bill is intended to improve the administration of Waqf properties and ensure transparency. No one opposes measures for better management and transparency, but such legislation is not necessary. Improvement and transparency can be achieved without amending the existing Waqf Act.”

Sajad Lone

Peoples Conference (PC) President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone has strongly opposed the proposed amendments to Waqf laws, calling them an attack on the religious rights of Muslims.

Sajad Lone in a post on X wrote, “Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties which are collectively owned by Muslims. It is an Islamic concept.”

He asserted that the move by Parliament was a direct assault on the religious autonomy of Muslims. “The proposed amendment by Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightful custodians of their authority,” he said.