'Do you allow non-Hindus to...' JK CM Omar Abdullah slams Waqf Amendment Act

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday sharply criticised the Waqf Amendment Act, claiming it has caused widespread concern across the country.

“A major section of the nation is upset with the bill, and they feel that the government is interfering in their religious matters,” he said.

Abdullah reiterated his opposition, stating: “There was no need for the Waqf Amendment Act. A religion is being targeted... Non-Muslims are being allowed to review the Waqf activities.”

He strongly objected to the clause permitting non-Muslims to monitor Waqf affairs, questioning whether similar scrutiny is permitted in the management of religious bodies of other faiths.

“Do you allow non-Hindus to keep a check on the activities of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board? Can they allow any non-Sikhs to keep a check on the activities of the SGPC?” he asked.

Abdullah added that his party is considering a legal challenge.

“We are likely to approach the Supreme Court against the Waqf Amendment Act,” he said.

Mehbooba Mufti joins chorus of dissent

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti also voiced strong criticism of the ruling party and the Chief Minister for their stance on the Act.

“The drama created by the ruling party in the assembly over the last three days, and what we saw in the Tulip Garden, is shameful,” she told the media.

Mufti accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of targeting Muslims nationwide.

“The BJP is attacking the Muslims of the country left, right, and centre,” she said, voicing concern over the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment.

She also censured Abdullah for welcoming Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, a vocal supporter of the amendment.

“By welcoming and entertaining Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the CM has sent a message to all Muslims of the country that the J&K government supports the Waqf Amendment Act,” Mufti added.

ANI