Centre trying to curtail Waqf boards’ inherent powers: MLA

Leaders of various outfits have reacted sharply to the BJP’s claim regarding justification of amendments to the Waqf Act. Various organisations have termed the Union Government’s move interference in the legal status and powers of Waqf Boards.

These activists have announced that the community would adopt a do-or-die strategy to prevent the Central Government from repealing the original act.

Office-bearers and activists of various outfits led by MLA Dr Jamil Ur Rehman alleged the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying to disrupt the peace and harmony of the nation by spreading ‘venom’ on a new pretext every now and then.

Dr Rehman accused the Central Government of trying to target various minority communities, one by one. He said, “Now, with intent to target Muslims, the Central Government, while preparing the Waqf Amendment Bill, had a divisive agenda to target our community. Having proceeded without inviting direct stakeholders for discussions, the government is trying to curtail the inherent powers of Waqf boards.”

Induction of two non-Muslim members in Central Waqf Council, substitution of basic elements from the definition of Waqf, mode of creation of Waqf, omission of survey commissioner and inclusion of collector, weakening of Waqf Board, omission of Sections 104, 108 and 108A and substitution of ‘imprisonment’ with ‘rigorous imprisonment’ from the Act were cited as few grounds for withdrawal of the amended Act.

Dr Rehman said a movement opposing this amendment would be launched after roping in like-minded outfits.

Earlier office-bearers and activists of various outfits — Muslim Samaj Sewa and Sudhar Committee, Haji Faqir Mohammad Memorial Trust, Punjab Global Warming Alam Organisation and Small Farmers Federation — had threatened to launch a ‘do-or-die’ movement to prevent the Union Government from implementing the amended act.