Altaf Bukhari , Hakeem Yasin strongly criticises Waqf Amendment Bill

Srinagar, April 2: 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  the existing law (Waqf Act, 1995) and stated that the ongoing legislation is completely unnecessary.Syed Mohammad Altaf 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.”

He added, “Once the Waqf Amendment Bill is passed, Waqf boards will be required to register their properties with district collectors to ensure accurate valuation. Additionally, all members of the Waqf board will be appointed by  government. Clearly, once bill becomes law, the community will lose control over Waqf boards, allowing government to take over their administration—an outright interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community.”

Meanwhile, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, has vehemently opposed the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, terming them as a direct assault on the religious rights of Muslims and an infringement upon their faith.

He asserted that such amendments are unjustified and go against the secular ethos of the Indian Constitution.

“India is a secular country, and the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all its citizens. Muslims from Jammu and Kashmir and across the country have made immense sacrifices for India’s independence, and the government must respect their rights and aspirations,” PDF leader said.

Hakeem Yaseen expressed deep concern over the ruling government’s claims of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” highlighting that such moves only serve to create division instead of fostering national unity.

He questioned the rationale behind the selective targeting of Muslim religious institutions while other religious communities enjoy autonomy in managing their affairs.

 The Bill should be reconsidered in the spirit of fairness and justice,” he said.

“Through this Bill, the government aims to dilute constitutional rights, defame minority communities, divide Indian society, and disenfranchise minorities.He emphasized that such unilateral decisions without proper consultations would only deepen the existing trust deficit between the government and minority communities.

“India thrives on its diversity and pluralism. Any attempt to disrupt this harmony will only weaken the country.

The government must reconsider its stance and engage with all stakeholders before making such significant changes,” he asserted.

The former minister called upon political parties, religious scholars, and civil society organizations to come forward and oppose the proposed amendments collectively.

He reiterated that protecting the rights of religious institutions is crucial for maintaining the social fabric of the nation and ensuring equal treatment of all communities.