The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, has triggered strong opposition from political and religious leaders in Jammu Kashmir.
Prominent voices, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mehbooba Mufti, Sajad Lone, Nizamuddin Bhat, and Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, have condemned the bill, calling it an attack on Muslim religious and institutional autonomy.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), criticized the government for ignoring concerns raised by Muslim organizations. “As one watches the ruling party defend the indefensible Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, it is very unfortunate and disturbing that not even one of the serious concerns and reservations raised by Muslim organizations, including the MMU, before the JPC in New Delhi was addressed. Today, crores of Muslims in India, like mute spectators, are haplessly watching their rights and institutions being blatantly undermined and feel greatly let down,” he said.
Other political leaders also voiced their opposition to the bill.
Mehbooba Mufti calls bill a ‘conspiracy’ against Muslims
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has accused the BJP-led government of using the bill as a tool to marginalize Muslims. “This is not about better management; this is about taking away what belongs to Muslims,” she said. Speaking to the media in Srinagar, Mufti warned that such policies could push India towards internal divisions, drawing a comparison with Myanmar.
She also accused the BJP of fostering an atmosphere of fear through mob lynchings, mosque demolitions, and attempts to seize Muslim graveyards. “The country should function according to its Constitution, not according to a divisive agenda,” she said, urging Hindus to stand up against what she described as an oppressive move.
Mufti further cautioned that history could repeat itself if such policies continued unchecked. “Just as the nation still feels ashamed about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, it should not allow similar injustices against Muslims,” she said.
Sajad Lone: ‘Blatant interference in our faith’
Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone also voiced strong opposition, terming the bill a “blatant interference in our faith.”
“Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties collectively owned by Muslims. This amendment is nothing short of an attack on our religious autonomy,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He called the bill “yet another right-wing trespass” aimed at stripping Muslims of control over their religious institutions.
Nizamuddin Bhat warns of unrest
Senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora, Advocate Nizamuddin Bhat, warned that the bill could have far-reaching consequences on the administration of Waqf properties. “Any move to alter the existing Waqf structure without wider consultations will create unrest and deepen mistrust among communities,” he said.
Bhat emphasized the need for transparency and stakeholder engagement before proceeding with any changes to the existing Waqf laws.
Hakeem Yaseen: ‘Blatant discrimination against Muslims’
Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, strongly condemned the bill, calling it an attack on the religious rights of Muslims.
“India is a secular country, and the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. If Sikh, Hindu, and Christian religious institutions enjoy autonomy, why are exclusive laws being framed to regulate Muslim institutions?” he questioned.
Yaseen accused the BJP government of diluting constitutional rights and deliberately creating divisions in Indian society. “Their double-engine governments have even gone to the extent of restricting people from offering namaz in public spaces,” he said.
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