Srinagar: National Conference vice president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday raised strong objections to the Waqf Act, calling it discriminatory and a direct violation of India’s secular values.
“We believe that this piece of legislation (Waqf Act) has targeted one particular religion. We are supposed to be a secular state. All religions are supposed to be treated equally,” Omar said, voicing concern over the perceived communal angle of the law.
Omar’s remarks come amid growing criticism from regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir over the Waqf Bill, which they argue gives sweeping powers to the government of India and undermines the local Muslim community’s religious and charitable institutions.
The Waqf Board manages religious endowments and properties belonging to the Muslim community. The latest amendments to the Waqf Act have led to accusations that the legislation centralises control and undermines the autonomy of religious bodies.
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the National Conference and PDP, have termed the move an assault on the region’s religious and administrative institutions.
