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Farooq Abdullah Criticizes Waqf Amendment Bill, Defends Article 370 as Protector of Kashmiri Rights

 Srinagar: National Conference leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Waqf properties. Responding to ongoing developments surrounding the bill, Abdullah remarked, “Allah is the master. He alone will save the Waqf. Whatever they do with the Waqf, they will not be able to erase the name of Allah.”

The Waqf Amendment Bill, currently under scrutiny following the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s (JPC) approval of 14 amendments, has sparked widespread controversy. Critics, including members of the opposition, have raised concerns that the bill undermines the autonomy of Waqf institutions and threatens the rights of Muslims.

Concerns Over the Waqf Amendment Bill

The JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, recently approved significant changes to the Waqf Act of 1995 after six months of deliberation. Despite holding 34 sittings and consulting over 284 stakeholders, opposition parties alleged that the process lacked transparency and inclusivity.

Congress MP Imran Masood accused the ruling party of attempting to seize Waqf properties, describing the bill as a "ruin" for the Waqf system. Similarly, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee condemned the process as a “black day for democracy,” alleging that opposition voices were suppressed during discussions.

One key amendment includes designating a state government officer, rather than the District Collector, to determine if a property qualifies as Waqf property. Critics argue that such changes dilute the integrity of Waqf boards.

Farooq Abdullah on Article 370

On a related note, Farooq Abdullah reiterated his stance on Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir before its abrogation in 2019. He highlighted its historical significance, stating, “Article 370 was for the protection of this place... The law implemented in 1927 by Maharaja Kashmir was made to save the jobs of people here because they were not very educated.”

Abdullah’s comments underline the enduring sentiment in the region regarding the abrogation of Article 370, which many believe was a vital safeguard for the rights, identity, and economic opportunities of the local population.

A Broader Debate on Federalism and Religious Autonomy

Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on the Waqf Amendment Bill and Article 370 come at a time when debates over federalism and the autonomy of religious institutions are intensifying. Opposition leaders argue that the Waqf bill threatens India’s federal structure by centralizing control over Waqf properties, while supporters claim that the amendments aim to enhance transparency and accountability.

Abdullah’s invocation of spiritual and cultural values reflects the deep-seated concerns among stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir about losing traditional safeguards and the growing perception of marginalization.

As the final draft report of the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be released on January 29, the controversy surrounding its provisions is expected to fuel further political discourse across the country.

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