As the political battle has intensified over the Waqf Amendment Bill with the opposition trying to scuttle its passage in the Parliament, Union Territory of J&K is also watching the development keenly, both at the political level as well as masses on the ground.
The Bill impacts J&K, perhaps more than any other part of the country, as Kashmir is a Muslim-dominated area where Waqf properties are governed by both, the government as well as private bodies.
While there is clarity on part of major opposition allies under INDIA alliance and other parties across the country, in J&K, the situation is dubious and dicey for a major reason. For the government at the helm led by the NC, it is mandatory resistance, whether on account of political expediency or partly in respect for the Muslim sentiment, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, person at the helm of the Auqaf Trust, run by the government, has minced no words welcoming the new Bill.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has undeniably made it clear that his party looks at the Amendment Bill as ‘targeting only one particular religion’ and therefore, his MPs would oppose it in the Parliament. Pertinently, Dr Andrabi was appointed as Chairperson of this prestigious Trust two years ago by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
Also interesting is the fact that she contested election in the past on BJP’s mandate and continues to be executive member of the party in J&K. In other words, Dr Andrabi is being seen as political appointee of BJP for a post on which she still continues contrary to a couple of other Boards where heads have been replaced soon after Omar Abdullah government came into existence.
Political corridors are abuzz with this unanimous observation that the NC government won’t dare remove her and a message has probably been conveyed in concerned quarters that she has to stay on this post. This explains why despite heading a government post, she is toeing CM’s line and instead openly lauding the Amendment Bill.
The government is purportedly silent on her line of approach towards the Amendment Bill which is drawing flak generally from the Muslim community. However, her stand has not been received well at the ground level as some Muslim organisations in Jammu criticised Dr Andrabi for supporting it. In a joint statement they have said her line and stance “have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community and religious organisations across the region.”
Interestingly, instead of directing their concern over the new Bill, they are concerned as to why as a member of the Muslim Community she is welcoming it.
In sharp contrast, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the Bill and its “hidden motives”. Whether NC MPs take part in the discussions to present their viewpoint or skip it, remains to be seen.
But there is general opinion that the new Bill threatens the sanctity and autonomy of Waqf properties that hold immense religious, cultural, and social significance for the Muslim community. Without knowing anything about new provisions, which the government has proposed for better administration and enhancing of efficiency of Waqf Boards and Trusts across the country, they are resisting it majorly because it is being seen as ‘unnecessary interference’ in affairs of the Muslim community wherein functions are governed by their self-proclaimed rules.
Like in other parts of the country, there are different Boards managing Shia and Sunni community properties which are primarily run on the basis of charity that comes through the public. This is why they see it as a purely religious and shared heritage. And therefore, it explains why Dr Andrabi’s remarks are seen as an affront to the sentiments of the community as a whole.
A significant aspect in the whole scenario remains that even as the Bill is facing stiff opposition from the Muslim community, there are many who differ and instead of opposing it blindly, they wish to wait and see how it actually impacts the running of the Waqf Boards in J&K.
Also read: BJP without Modi is unimaginable right now
Now, there is a reason to this differing argument, even though very few persons say it, significantly those who are at the helm of affairs in running the Waqf Boards. This is because of a large-scale mess and vested interests which has enabled corruption and alleged bungling in many prime properties as also at the level of making appointments - nepotism being the sole criterion.
There are some prestigious institutions under the Waqf among the Shia community across Kashmir where prominent members of only one family are alleged to be on the chairperson positions. They are alleged to be running the affairs independent of other similar boards and trust, on their whims contending that these are private organisations and no government can ‘touch’ them.
In the backdrop of this mess at many places, some people want transparency and accountability in running the affairs of the Waqf so that benefits go to genuine beneficiaries, instead of a ‘select few’.
By Saroj Razdan
Follow us
