Srinagar, April 2 (KNS): Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, calling it an attempt to strip the Muslim community of its control over Waqf assets and administration. He warned that the bill, if passed, would lead to government interference in religious matters.

“The community will lose control over Waqf boards, allowing the government to take over their administration—an outright interference in the religious affairs of Muslims,” Bukhari said.

The Union government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for discussion and passage on Wednesday. Bukhari criticized the proposed amendments to the existing Waqf Act, 1995, arguing that they were unnecessary. He maintained that improvements in administration and transparency could be achieved without amending the law.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The government claims that this amendment is aimed at improving the administration of Waqf properties and ensuring transparency. No one opposes better management, but such legislation is not required,” he stated.

Bukhari further highlighted that the bill mandates Waqf boards to register their properties with district collectors for accurate valuation, while all board members would be government appointees. He expressed concerns that such provisions would deprive the Muslim community of its rights over Waqf assets and their administration.

Reiterating his opposition, Bukhari urged the government to withdraw the bill and safeguard the community’s autonomy over Waqf affairs. (KNS)