Mirwaiz writes to Waqf panel, seeks meeting to discuss amendments

The Mutahida Majlis-E-Ulema (MMU), prominent religious and social body representing the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir, has written to Jagdambika Pal, who chairs the joint committee of Parliament examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and sought an urgent meeting to discuss the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 2024.

In a letter addressed to Pal, the MMU, while reiterating the importance of timely dialogue, said the proposed amendments have raised significant concerns within the Muslim community.”

“This matter is of utmost importance and urgency as it directly affects the religious and charitable institutions that are integral to our community’s welfare and autonomy,” stated the letter written by Jamia Masjid chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on behalf of the Muttahida Majlis-E-Ulema.

He said in the earlier communication, MMU had requested a meeting to discuss these pressing issues in detail. “Considering the gravity of the situation and its potential impact on the community, we once again request you to give us an audience at the earliest possible time,” it said.

Stating that J&K is a Muslim majority state and “it is imperative that our point of view on this very crucial matter be heard and taken into consideration”, the MMU said the proposed amendments, as outlined in our previous correspondence, pose serious challenges to the autonomy and purpose of Waqf properties.

“These proposed changes have created widespread distress and apprehensions among the Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, it is imperative that these concerns be addressed through meaningful dialogue rather than unilateral actions. We believe that a meeting with your good self will provide an opportunity for that,” it said.

In his September letter, the Mirwaiz had stressed that the proposed amendments not only violated Muslim personal law but also exacerbated feelings of insecurity within the Muslim community.