Srinagar Apr 10 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal Thursday criticized PDP for their insincere display of concern regarding the Waqf amendment Bill 2025, saying it was Mufti Syed who stripped away the elements of community participation and relative institutional independence of Auqaf-e-Islamia in J&K, replacing it with a model rooted in state authority.
In a statement released from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Kamal said the actions taken by Mufti Syed had a detrimental impact on the autonomy and integrity of religious institutions in the region.
He said that the shift implemented by Mufti Syed has effectively placed the management of all major Khanqahs, associated assets and institutions directly under the control of a government-nominated body, rather than an autonomous Awqaf Board.
“This move signified a significant increase in government control over Waqf affairs, as the restructured body is now led by the Chief Minister and includes trustees appointed by the General Administration Department (GAD) of the state government. The previous system, which allowed for community participation and institutional independence, has been replaced with a trust model that is rooted in state authority.“
The disaster for the Muslim Waqf Act of Jammu and Kashmir, Kamal said occurred after the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019, following the alliance between the PDP and the BJP. “This resulted in the extension of the Central Waqf Act, 1995 to Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the reorganization of the Waqf Board under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAs a result of this restructuring, a significant and controversial change was the removal of traditional caretakers, known as mutawallis, who had been overseeing shrines and mosques for generations. These individuals or families were deeply connected to the places they managed, both spiritually and communally.”
“The latest Waqf Amendment Bill aims to eliminate the concept of "waqf by user," which recognizes properties that have been used continuously for religious or charitable purposes over centuries, even without formal documentation, as Waqf. This change poses a threat to the legal protection of historically significant Muslim endowments that lack formal deeds. In Kashmir many acres of Waqf land falls under the category of "waqf by user." Thousands of families in Kashmir rely on Waqf assets for their livelihoods. These families include farmers utilizing Waqf land, shopkeepers near religious sites, and employees in Waqf-supported schools, orphanages, and charities,” he said.
“It is clear that the PDP's decision to strip the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir's Waqf system has had far-reaching consequences. No amount of excuses or blame-shifting can absolve the PDP from the repercussions of their actions. It is time to acknowledge the impact of these decisions and work towards finding solutions that prioritize the well-being of those affected,” he added.(KNS)