Srinagar, April 3 (KNO): The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), largest representative forum of Ulemas, Imams, and religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep anguish the Waqf Amendment Bill passed the Lok Sabha test after marathon 12-hour debate yesterday.
In a statement issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that the Waqf has historically played a vital role in serving the socio-religious needs of the Muslims and is vital to its sustenance.
MMU said the amended bill is direct interference in the religious affairs of Muslims with a view to curtail the autonomy of these bodies by the Centre and control them further.
“The ostensible intent projected of improved functioning of Waqf institutions does not cut ice, as Muslims are aware of the larger political agenda and approach towards them by those who brought the bill in parliament. It is a deliberate attempt to undermine the religious and community institutions of Muslims and encroach upon them over time,” it said.
The statement added that the MMU has convened a meeting of its members on April 7 to deliberate upon the matter. “MMU leadership is already in touch with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other prominent Muslim organisations across India to discuss a collective and unified response to this development,” it said.
MMU constituents include Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, Muslim Personal Law Board, Darul Uloom Rahimiyah Bandipora, Anjuman Shari Shian, Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Karwan-e-Islami, Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Jamia Sabeel-ul-Huda Bemina Srinagar, Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, Jamiat Hamdania, Anjuman Ulama-e-Ahnaf, Darul Uloom Qasmiya, Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Jamiat-ul-Aima wal Ulama, Anjuman Aima wa Mashayekh Kashmir, Darul Uloom Naqshbandiya, Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Ahlul Bait Foundation, Madrasa Kanz-ul-Uloom, Pirwan-e-Wilayat, Auqaf Islamia Khiram Sirhama, Bazm-e-Tauheed Ahle Hadith Trust, Anjuman Tanzeem-ul-Makatib, Muhammadi Yateem Trust, Anjuman Anwar-ul-Islam, Karwan Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, Darul Uloom Syed-ul-Mursaleen, Anjuman Ulama wa Aima Masajid, Madrasa Zia-ul-uloom poonch, Falah-e-Darain Trust Welfare Society Islamabad, Ashraf-ul-Uloom Hyderpora, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Batamaloo, Darul Uloom Furqaniya Nowshera, Darul Uloom Dawoodiya Khanyar, Jamiat-ul-Ulama, Siraj-ul-Uloom, Idara Wahdat-ul-Makatib, Darul Uloom Imdadiya Natipora, Darul Uloom Jamia-tur-Rashad Awantipora, Khanqah Muradiya Jamia Masjid Kreeri, Darul Uloom Saut-ul-Quran Gulshanabad, Awami Rahat Center, Imamia Federation Kashmir, Alnoor Trust Bemina., Shaheen Syndicate social Trust , Jamiat Ulema Wa Aima Masajid Jammu and Kashmir, Daraul Uloom Syed ul Mursaleen Kulgam and other contemporary religious, milli social, and educational institutions—(KNO)