"If passed, we will start a nationwide movement": AIMPLB opposes Waqf Amendment Bill

New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha today, even as Muslim Organisations raise strong opposition.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has voiced its strong objection to the bill, with prominent leaders threatening to take legal action and stage a nationwide movement if the bill is passed.
AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas condemned the bill, stating, "If this bill is passed in the Parliament, then we will start a nationwide movement against it. We won't sit quietly. We will make use of all legal and constitutional provisions available to us. We will run a peaceful agitation until the proposed amendments are taken back."
Ilyas described the bill as discriminatory and communally motivated, adding, "Sadly, the points made by Opposition members were also not taken into consideration by the JPC."
The controversy surrounding the bill stems from concerns that it may negatively impact the management and autonomy of Waqf properties, which are meant to benefit the Muslim community.
Ilyas further emphasized that the bill is seen as an attack on the rights of Muslims, alleging that it fails to address the community's concerns.
Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, also raised objections to the bill.
He said, "With the amendments approved by the JPC, the matter has become more complicated. JPC mahaz ek fareb hai aur ek dhokha hai (JPC is just a hoax and a fraud)."
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill which is to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, is in the interest of the country.
He further stated that the bill was being opposed for political reasons, and if it was opposed on the basis of logic, there were answers for the same.
Speaking to the media, the Union Minister said, "Today is a historic day and today the Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha and this bill is being introduced in the interest of the country. Not only crores of Muslims but the whole country will support it. Those who are opposing it are doing so for political reasons. I will present the facts in the House. And I also want that if someone opposes, they should oppose on the basis of logic and we will also answer them."
He further said that the bill was being introduced after a lot of thought and preparation.
"When we are bringing such a bill, we have come after a lot of thought and preparation..." Rijiju further added. (ANI)