Imran Naikoo

Srinagar, April 9, Gulistan News TV): The administration’s decision to disallow the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) meeting scheduled at the residence of Mirwaiz Kashmir Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq in Nageen, Srinagar has drawn sharp criticism from both the Mirwaiz and the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam.

In a tweet, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated, “MMU’s important meeting regarding the recent Waqf Amendment Act was not allowed by the authorities. Religious representatives from J&K, Ladakh, Kargil and Jammu had reached the valley to attend this significant gathering. It is strange that even a peaceful discussion by Muslim scholars in this Muslim-majority region is barred. While every political party could freely express their views on this matter in Parliament, the same right is denied to the Muslim political and religious representatives of J&K. The MMU has decided that the joint resolution prepared in consultation with all members will be read out in mosques and religious congregations this Friday. We fully support @AIMPLB_Official and stand by its course of action regarding the new law.”

Adding to the criticism, Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam expressed disappointment, stating that the meeting aimed to deliberate and strategize on the implications of the Waqf Amendment Bill. He condemned the administration’s decision, calling it a disregard for the concerns of the Muslim community and a suppression of their right to peaceful assembly.

The MMU had scheduled the meeting to bring together at least 40 religious and social organizations to discuss the serious concerns raised by the bill, which many see as an encroachment on the autonomy of Waqf institutions. Both leaders stressed the importance of addressing the issue collectively and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding religious institutions.
(Gulistan News TV)