Kolkata: The All India Milli Council’s West Bengal chapter today organised a high-level discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, bringing together a large assembly of NGO representatives and prominent members of the Muslim community. The gathering focused on preparing submissions for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on November 12.
The meeting, chaired by Maulana Shafiq Qasemi, Imam of Kolkata’s Nakhoda Masjid, saw active participation from over 25 Members of Parliament and several West Bengal government ministers. Participants included Ahmad Hassan Imran, Chairman of West Bengal Minorities Commission and Editor of Bangla Daily Kalom, alongside Justice Shahidullah Munshi, Chairman of West Bengal Waqf Board, and MP Nadimul Haque, who has been instrumental in coordinating NGO representations with the JPC.
Maulana Qasemi encouraged NGOs to voice their concerns about the amendment by sending written submissions to the JPC, highlighting the crucial role of civil society in preserving secularism. In his address, he extended special thanks to MPs Nadimul Haque and Kalyan Banerjee, both JPC members, for their efforts to counter the amendment in Parliament.
Justice Shahidullah Munshi offered a detailed analysis of the technical implications of the proposed 44-clause amendment, arguing that it effectively nullifies the Supreme Court’s recent order upholding the previous Waqf Act. He warned that the bill could undermine constitutional protections for waqf properties.
The West Bengal government representatives also voiced strong opposition. Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury urged the people of Kolkata to rally against the bill and called on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to spearhead a broader national movement in coordination with other secular parties. He urged supporters to “give blood for the cause” if needed, demanding a complete withdrawal of the bill.
Prasun Banerjee, who was TMC candidate for Malda North, issued a stark warning to the central government, stating, “Either you withdraw this bill, or we will make you stop.”
Minister Sabina Yasmin dismissed the JPC’s efforts as an “eye wash,” calling instead for grassroots movements under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
Chairman Imran echoed these sentiments, affirming Mamata Banerjee’s commitment to justice and urging her to openly denounce the amendment.
“We will never yield to this ill-intentioned push by the RSS and BJP,” he said, addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly and cautioning against tampering with India’s Constitution.
