Srinagar, Apr 9 (KNS):PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para slammed the silence of Muslim legislators over the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, saying that it poses a bigger threat than the abrogation of Article 370 as it strikes at the roots of Islam, faith, and religious heritage.
Speaking during a discussion on resolutions in the House, Para said, “In 2019, projects are being normalized, Article 370 was discussed, a resolution was brought for special status, and efforts were made for a state hotel resolution. But today, the biggest issue for Muslims is not roads or electricity—it's about mosques, faith, Islam, shrines, and graves. Fifty Muslim MLAs can't stand united to pass a resolution against the Waqf Amendment Bill?”
He questioned who should be blamed for this silence and asked, “Are we normalizing BJP’s agenda?”
Citing examples from other states, Para pointed out, “In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, resolutions were passed against the Waqf Amendment Bill. There are 20 crore Muslims in India whose eyes are fixed on Kashmir, where there are 50 Muslim MLAs. What stops them? What stops us from bringing a resolution?”
He accused the ruling parties of deliberately creating distractions to block the Waqf resolution.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Everything was done to stop our resolution. Nothing else mattered,” he said.
Para further asked, “Who is in power today? Who holds 50 seats? What stops Omar Abdullah from answering why a resolution wasn’t brought against this bill? Today, our graves, our shrines, our mosques are being taken away after a thousand years. This is not just a political issue, it is a matter of faith.”
He criticised those who attempt to show their support for Islam by offering prayers at shrines or posting photos on Fridays, saying, “That does not make them defenders of faith.”
He expressed disappointment that on the day the bill was tabled, Muslim leaders stood beside Union Minister Kiren Rijiju—the same minister who introduced the bill. “On the day Muslims needed them most, they stood with the BJP. History will decide who sided with whom,” he added.
Calling it the “biggest disappointment” and “sense of defeat,” Para said, “You are normalizing Kashmir. Now Kashmiri Muslims are also normalizing it. This is the biggest issue in the history of Indian Muslims.” (KNS)