Bengaluru: The Chikmagalur unit of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has submitted a formal memorandum to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, via the district collector, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
During a press conference, Muhammad Samiullah, the District President of APCR Chikmagalur, strongly criticized the bill, likening it to a “poisonous bottle labeled as nectar.” He argued that the government is attempting to mislead the public into believing the bill offers benefits, when in reality, it poses serious concerns for the Muslim community. Samiullah emphasized that any amendments to the Waqf law should promote societal and public welfare, which he contends this bill fails to do.
Samiullah further noted that Waqf is a deeply religious and personal matter for Muslims, with properties dedicated by their ancestors for religious purposes. He urged the government to take necessary steps to safeguard these properties from potential misuse and interference.
The press conference was attended by various community leaders, including APCR Vice President Saleem Sahib, D.K. Haider, Ghous Peer Munna, District President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Abdul Rauf, Rizwan Sahib of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and Mufti Samiullah, President of the Welfare Association. These leaders unanimously rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill, warning the government against any attempts to seize control of Waqf properties, which they stressed must remain under community management.
The group expressed nationwide concern, with Muslims across India protesting what they perceive as a government conspiracy to undermine their rights. They vowed to continue resisting any efforts to alter the governance of Waqf properties.
The leaders reiterated their firm stance that government involvement in Waqf matters would not be tolerated, calling for the bill’s dismissal to protect the integrity of properties dedicated for community use.
