Omar Abdullah Opposes Non-Muslim Participation in Waqf Management

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Speaking to reporters, Omar Abdullah said, “We have taken a conscious decision to move the Supreme Court against the Waqf Amendment Act. The Speaker did attempt to calm the legislators and explain the implications, but the members stood their ground and remained firm in their opposition.”

The Chief Minister, said that concern is not limited to Jammu and Kashmir. “Voices of concern are rising from across India. There is a widespread feeling that the government is interfering in religious matters, particularly those concerning the Muslim community,” he said.

Omar Abdullah defended the legislators who opposed the Act in the House, stating that their reaction reflected public sentiment. “People elect us to represent their voice. When that voice expresses discomfort over a law, it is our responsibility to highlight that concern. The members are not wrong, and we are all disappointed with this Act,” he said.

In strong criticism, Omar questioned the legitimacy of allowing non-Muslims to oversee Waqf affairs. “Will you allow Muslims to manage the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine? Will you accept a non-Sikh interfering in the affairs of the Shri Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee? If not, then how can it be justified to have non-Muslims dictate the functioning of Waqf institutions?” he asked.The Chief Minister said the Act is seen as a targeted move against a particular religion. “This is not just about administrative control; it’s about religious sanctity. The Waqf deals with endowments and religious properties meant for Muslims. Involving non-Muslims in its administration is not only illogical but deeply insensitive,” he added.

Omar Abdullah saidd that the National Conference will support public sentiment and pursue legal action to challenge what he called “a deeply flawed and discriminatory law.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti criticised the ruling party and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister over their handling of the Waqf Amendment Act.

Speaking to the media, she said the conduct in the Assembly over the past three days, along with events at the Tulip Garden, was disappointing.

Mufti alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to target Muslims across the country. “The BJP is attacking Muslims from all directions,” she said, expressing concern over the wider impact of such policies.

She also criticised the Chief Minister for hosting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who has supported the Waqf Amendment Act. “By receiving and hosting Union Minister Rijiju, the Chief Minister has signalled that the J&K Government stands in support of the Act,” Mufti said. (With KNT Inputs)