J&K leaders slam passing of Waqf Bill, call it violation of religious freedom

The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdur Rahim Rather, has slammed the passing of the Waqf Bill and called it a violation of the constitutional right to religious freedom.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rather said the bill violates Article 25 of the Indian Constitution that guarantees every citizen the right to freely practice their religion. 

He said the bill was an interference in personal laws. He said such actions are not acceptable.

“Article 25 ensures that individuals have the freedom to follow, express, and promote their religious beliefs without restriction. Critics of the bill believe that it undermines these rights,” he said.

The Lok Sabha approved the Waqf Bill after a 12-hour discussion,

The BJP and its allies supported the bill, and the opposition INDIA bloc voted against it.

Regional political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, including the National Conference (NC), Peoples Conference (PC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have voiced strong opposition to the Bill.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of targeting minority rights and trying to take control of Waqf properties. She warned that such actions could have lasting consequences.

Justice (retired) Hasnain Masoodi, an NC leader and former MP,  termed the move as unfair to the Muslim community.

“No similar law exists for other religious groups, and that reforms should not come at the cost of community control over religious institutions,’’ he said.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, custodian of Kashmir’s historic and highly revered Jama Masjid, termed the passing of the bill as “disturbing and unfortunate.” 

He said concerns raised by Muslim organisations, including the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), were ignored during discussions in Delhi.

Sajad Lone of PC echoed similar views, saying the bill was a clear interference in the religious matters of Muslims. He said it strips rightful custodians of their authority.

The bill has sparked widespread debate, with many seeing it as a challenge to religious autonomy and minority rights in India.