The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir following growing demands from its members and stakeholders in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir, with the largest Muslim population in India, has been a focal point in the ongoing discussions about the proposed amendments. Several members of the panel emphasized that a visit to the region is essential to ensure the report on the bill reflects a comprehensive understanding of its implications.
The Muttaheda Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), a coalition of 46 religious organizations and Islamic educational institutions, led by Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has also sought to present their perspective on the proposed changes. In a statement issued on November 28, the MMU expressed deep concerns about the amendments, warning that they could undermine the autonomy and core purpose of Waqf properties, which play a critical role in supporting religious, social, and charitable activities in the region.
“These amendments have sparked significant anxiety within the community due to their potential impact on institutions that are vital for the welfare and self-governance of the Muslim community,” the MMU stated, urging the committee to consider the region’s unique socio-religious dynamics.
Chairman Jagdambika Pal acknowledged the importance of visiting Jammu and Kashmir during a press interaction, noting that the committee had already conducted 18 to 20 tours across various states and was planning visits to West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. “Our members also want to go to Jammu and Kashmir. For this, we will seek the Speaker’s permission,” Mr. Pal said.
The committee’s deliberations have so far included consultations with state officials from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, though members expressed dissatisfaction with the responses received on registered properties and other key details. Officials from Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Delhi are scheduled to present their inputs in a meeting on Friday, December 27, 2024.
The Parliament recently extended the panel’s tenure, requiring it to submit its report by the end of the Budget Session in 2025. With 27 meetings already held in Delhi, the potential visit to Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a critical step to address the unique challenges and concerns arising from the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.
