Waqf Act undermines rights of minorities, say protesters

Ranchi: Muslim organisations staged a protest outside the Raj Bhavan here on Sunday to voice their opposition to the Waqf Act while political parties and social groups convened at the CPI office and vowed to continue their resistance to the act through various channels.
During a demonstration, members of the All India Muslim Youth Association led a ‘Mahadharna' that drew hundreds of protesters carrying placards having slogans against the act. Organisations, including Anjuman, Edar e Sharia, Imarat e Sharia, Jamiat e Ulema Hind, Central Anjuman Kanke and All Jharkhand Ekta Manch participated in the demonstration.
S Ali, a leader of the All Muslim Youth Association, criticised the act, stating it was passed without proper consultation with the Muslim community and ignored recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee meetings. He emphasized that the act infringes on Muslims' fundamental rights and religious autonomy.
Ali highlighted that waqf properties in Jharkhand and across India primarily comprise mosques, madarsas, idgahs, mazaars, cemeteries, shops, houses, institutions and agricultural land. He objected to the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards, viewing it as interference in the management of Muslim religious property.
At the CPI state office meeting, parties and organisations, including CPI-ML, Trinamool Congress, Majlis E Ulema, and Buddhist Society urged the state govt to convene a special assembly session and request the President to nullify the bill.
CPI state secretary Mahendra Pathak noted that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi govt expedited the President's approval of the bill, despite numerous other pending bills awaiting presidential assent.
The participants alleged the law undermines minority rights and suggested that with the act, the Centre intends to transfer waqf land to corporate entities.
They announced plans for a major seminar under the banner of the Alpsankhyak Adhikar Manch on May 11 to determine future protest strategies.