Srinagar, Jan 30: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Thursday expressed his dismay at the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s (JPC) recent decision to pass the Waqf Amendment Bill, despite strong opposition from various political factions. He criticised the bill as a significant infringement on the rights of Muslims and a threat to India’s federal structure.
In a statement issued here, Yaseen condemned the JPC’s action, saying the bill, couched as a necessary overhaul of the Waqf Act of 1995—which governs the management of Waqf properties in India—ultimately aims to usurp Muslim-owned properties. “The legislation undermines the rights of Muslim minorities and fails to address their concerns adequately,” he said.
The passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill has drawn considerable backlash from various political leaders.
The former minister urged the Central government to respect the religious sentiments of the Muslim minority before moving forward with the Waqf Amendment Bill. “The proposed legislation has caused widespread outrage among Muslims across the nation,” he said. Hakeem called for greater dialogue and consideration of minority rights in the legislative process.
