J&K: National Conference-led alliance passes resolution against Waqf Amendment Bill

The ruling alliance of Jammu and Kashmir, comprising the National Conference (NC), Congress and independent legislators, passed two key resolutions on Friday—one condemning the passage of the Waqf Bill in Parliament and the other urging the Union government to respect the people’s mandate in the Union territory.

These resolutions were adopted during a meeting of the alliance’s legislature party, chaired by NC vice-president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. Senior leaders, including NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Congress legislators and independent members supporting the alliance were present.

The meeting took place amid growing tensions between the alliance’s elected representatives and the Lieutenant Governor (LG)  Manoj Sinha’s administration, particularly over a series of bureaucratic transfers ordered by Sinha without consulting the political leadership. The ruling alliance believes the recent administrative reshuffle is an attempt to sideline elected representatives and centralise power, undermining democratic decentralisation.

So far, the alliance has maintained a cooperative stance towards the Centre. However, Thursday’s resolutions signal a shift, reflecting growing impatience and a demand for political respect and constitutional propriety in Jammu and Kashmir.

The transfers came on the heels of the submission of business rules by the elected government to clarify the distribution of powers between the government and the LG. These rules, drafted in consultation with constitutional experts, aimed to limit the LG’s overarching influence in governance. However, the Centre is yet to approve them.

The resolution on the Waqf Bill strongly condemned the amendment passed by the Rajya Sabha on Friday, describing it as “anti-Muslim and against the interests of minorities in the country.”

The second resolution stressed the importance of recognising and respecting the public mandate expressed through the recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. “Those who do not honour this mandate are insulting the will of the people,” said Tanvir Sadiq, NC’s chief spokesperson, at a press conference alongside Congress leader Nizamudin Bhat. “The resolution urged the Government of India to uphold democratic principles and facilitate the formation of an elected government in the region.”

Sadiq said the alliance partners unanimously rejected the amendment bill passed in Parliament. “It goes against the spirit of inclusiveness and specifically targets Muslims and minorities in India,” he said.

Sadiq said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, had participated enthusiastically in the electoral process and their verdict must be respected. “Our silence and coordination with Delhi should not be mistaken for weakness. We want to work with love and cooperation, but we also warned—don’t push us to the wall,” he said.

The NC leader said the alliance maintained cordial ties with the Centre and the LG’s administration, and their constructive approach should not be misinterpreted as submission.

Bhat said the meeting was convened to discuss both short-term and long-term political and administrative issues.  “We are not here just for political optics. There are sensitive issues affecting people’s lives and aspirations, and we are committed to raising them with both the Centre and Raj Bhavan,” he said.

Bhat also warned against forces attempting to destabilise the political process in Jammu and Kashmir. “Some elements seek to undermine democracy and its institutions. But this legislature represents a credible, popular mandate that must be taken seriously—even in Parliament,” he said.