PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti calls Waqf Amendment Bill a "robbery" against minorities

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 4 (ANI): People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill passed in the Parliament, calling it a direct attack on the institution of minorities and Muslims.
In a statement to the media, Mufti said, "This should not happen. This is an institution of minorities and Muslims, and to bulldoze it like this and pass it in the Parliament, I believe, amounts to robbery, which is very wrong and should not happen."
Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam has stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 is against the Muslims.
He also noted the support of 232 members who voted against the Waqf Bill and said they are exploring the possibility of approaching the Supreme Court.
"This bill is against the Muslims... A law which already existed has been amended... This bill is a betrayal of Muslims. And because of this betrayal, there is chaos among them... We have decided to go to the Supreme Court. Considering the sentiments of the Muslims, it should be noted that 232 members were against it. It is a huge number, and their point cannot be ignored... We will go to the Supreme Court soon, but first, we will decide amongst ourselves how we will move forward... We will do it on a large scale...," Islam told ANI.
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after a marathon and heated debate. During this debate, members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation, while the BJP and its allies strongly supported it, saying it would bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards.
The House sat beyond midnight on Wednesday to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the division's result. "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill on Thursday, receiving 128 votes in favour of the Bill, 95 votes against the Bill.
The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India.
It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (ANI)