‘Only one religious institution selectively being targeted’: Omar calls Waqf protests ‘understandable’

“There are apprehensions,’’ he said he told the media here. “Religious institutions are linked with every religion and there is no religion which does not have its own such institutions… There is no religion which does not undertake charitable activities’’.

Muslims mostly undertake charitable activity through the Waqf, the chief minister said, adding “but only one religious institution is selectively being targeted, it is understandable that there will be tension”.

Jammu and Kashmir, being a Muslim-majority Union Territory ,has huge Waqf properties worth billions of rupees. Though these properties, in many cases, were brought under the public ownership post August 5, 2019, during Lt Governor’s rule, there are still many properties owned by certain families and local religious boards in J&K.

The Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, had introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament last year which, following opposition from some parties, was referred to a joint committee of the Parliament on August 8.

A 31-member panel on the Bill — after multiple sittings and hearings — suggested several amendments even though Opposition disagreed with them.

Amid opposition to the Bill, the Parliament’s Joint Committee on the Bill adopted the amendments submitted by BJP members through a majority vote and has submitted its report on Waqf (Amendment) Bill.