Modi govt’s proposed Waqf Act amendments aim to snatch Muslim properties: Owaisi
Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi has said the Modi government is trying to snatch Waqf properties from Muslims through proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Owaisi slammed the government for attempting to dilute the autonomy of the Waqf Board and give powers to the executive to decide disputes relating to Waqf properties. He questioned the proposed amendment to survey Waqf properties in case of disputes, saying it’s the judiciary’s role to decide, not the political executive. Owaisi alleged the government wants to create disputes and snatch Waqf properties, interfering with the freedom of religion. He also criticized the government for not informing Parliament about the proposed amendments.
Owaisi warned that the proposed amendments would lead to chaos and loss of autonomy of the Waqf Board, allowing the government to have greater control. He also expressed concern that the changes would give encroachers a chance to claim Waqf properties as their own.
The AIMIM leader accused the BJP and RSS of having a Hindutva agenda and trying to finish the Waqf Board and Waqf properties. He cited the Supreme Court’s ruling that “once a Waqf, always a Waqf” and emphasized that Waqf properties cannot be sold or transferred.
Waris Pathan, AIMIM spokesperson, also attacked the BJP, RSS, and VHP for trying to snatch Muslim properties. He said the BJP has a problem with Muslims and their practices, and the proposed amendments are part of their agenda to disrupt the Muslim community.
Indian government is discussing 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, including mandatory verification of property claims and changes to the structure of the Central and State Waqf Board Councils. The bill also proposes new verification for disputed lands claimed by state Waqf Boards.
