– Mohamed Atherulla Shariff
Chikmagalur, Karnataka: A round table conference was held in Chikmagalur by the Joint Action Committee to raise awareness on the Waqf Amendment Act. Leaders from various political parties, social groups, and religious organisations attended. They strongly opposed the Act, calling it “anti-constitutional” and a threat to minority rights.
The meeting brought together former state ministers B.B. Ningaiah and Kumar Swamy, Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader Anil Kumar, Congress leaders M.M. Murthy and Puttaswamy, Kannada litterateur Ravish, BSP leader and advocate Parmesh, CPI leader Radha Sundaresh, and Communal Harmony Forum leader Ghouse Muneer. Ulema and senior Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) members were also present, showing a broad coalition against the law.
Speakers condemned the Act, saying it weakens constitutional safeguards for religious endowments. They stressed that wakf properties, donated by Muslim philanthropists over generations, are for public welfare like education, healthcare, and social support. They must remain under religious trusteeship.
District JIH President Rizwan Khalid warned the Act endangers wakf properties. He said these properties are donated in the name of Allah, with ownership dedicated to Him forever. Any control or alteration is a serious violation. He called the endowments part of the community’s cultural and social fabric.
Khalid said the Constitution guarantees the right to own, manage, and maintain religious properties without interference. He urged people of all faiths to support repealing the Act. He framed it as a constitutional issue, not just a minority concern.
The conference showed cross-party unity. Leaders from different ideologies supported protecting religious freedoms. Dalit, socialist, and literary figures joined Muslim scholars in denouncing the law. Ningaiah and Kumar Swamy criticised the central government for passing it without consulting affected communities. Others warned of misuse to take over or exploit wakf assets.
The programme was presided over by Moulana Khwaja Mohiyuddin, rector of Madras-e-Arabia Taleemul Quran. He stressed unity against legal and political threats. He also called for public awareness campaigns to widen resistance.
In closing, Khalid thanked all leaders for their support. He urged ongoing coordinated action. The meeting ended with a unanimous resolution to intensify advocacy and legal challenges. The district pledged to continue the campaign.
