Why only Waqf when 8 lakh acres of Hindu temple property untouched, asks NC MLA

Srinagar, Apr 08: Amid uproar over the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, National Conference MLA from Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq on Monday questioned the selective focus on Muslim religious endowments, claiming that Hindu temple properties spanning nearly 8 lakh acres remain untouched by similar reform efforts.
“Why is there talk of reforms only when it comes to Muslim Waqf properties? There are 8 lakh acres of Hindu temple land as well, but no one brings that into the conversation. This is fundamentally wrong,” Sadiq said, as the House witnessed repeated adjournments over the issue.
Speaking on the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, Sadiq said, “If you look at its implications, it states that if I don’t have documentation for a graveyard, a sanctuary or a mosque, then under this new amendment, the government can take control of that property.”
He further said that the bill proposes the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards. “According to this bill, a non-Muslim member can be appointed to Muslim Waqf properties. In places like Tripathi, it is clearly mentioned that non-Muslims cannot become members. So why this discrimination in the name of reforms?” he said.
The NC MLA clarified that they are not challenging what happened in Parliament but are seeking that the “sense of the House” be acknowledged. “A ruling party should express its intent clearly, and we have ample reason to question this move. There are examples in this country where state assemblies have discussed matters even after a bill was passed in Parliament or a verdict was delivered by the Supreme Court,” he said.
Sadiq said the Speaker is the custodian of the House and has to be neutral. “But whenever we raise points about rules, BJP members do not let us speak. You’ve seen how they interrupt every time we try to raise concerns,” he said.
He appealed to the Speaker, citing several instances where discussions have been allowed in the past.
When asked whether they would support a no-confidence motion, the MLA said, “That’s the role of the opposition. Maybe they received a call from Delhi or their masters to behave like this. But it’s our democratic right to speak in the Assembly — and we will.”
He added “The same opposition members who were with them and destroyed this country — it all started from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Yesterday, Sajad Lone and Waheed Parra were with them, and today they’re speaking about the amendment bill and other issues.”