Srinagar, Apr 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has decided to challenge the controversial Waqf Amendment Act in the Supreme Court of India. The decision comes in the wake of uproar within the Legislative Assembly, where opposition to the Act triggered a wave of protest by members who claimed the amendment infringes upon religious autonomy.
While talking to reporters, Omar Abdullah said, “We have taken a conscious decision to move the Supreme Court against the Waqf Amendment Act. The Speaker did try to calm the legislators and make them understand the implications, but the members stood their ground and were firm in their opposition.”
The Chief Minister as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said it is not just the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are dismayed, but voices of concern are rising from across India.
“There is a widespread feeling that the government is interfering in religious matters, particularly those of the Muslim community,” he said.
Omar Abdullah firmly defended the legislators who had opposed the Act inside the House, stating that their reaction was a reflection of public sentiment. “People elect us to represent their voice. When that voice expresses discomfort over a law, it is our responsibility to highlight that concern. The members are not wrong, and we are all disappointed with this Act,” he said.
In a strongly worded criticism, Omar questioned the legitimacy of allowing non-Muslims to oversee the affairs of the Waqf. “Will you allow Muslims to manage the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine? Will you accept a non-Sikh meddling into the affairs of the Shri Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee? If not, then how can it be justified to have non-Muslims dictate the functioning of Waqf institutions?” he asked.
The Chief Minister said the Act is seen as a targeted move against a particular religion. “This is not just about administrative control; it’s about religious sanctity. The Waqf deals with endowments and religious properties meant for Muslims. Bringing non-Muslims into its administrative setup is not just illogical but deeply insensitive,” he added.
Omar Abdullah said the NC will stand by the sentiments of the people and take the legal route to challenge what he called “a deeply flawed and discriminatory law.” [KNT]
