Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed concern over the ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying that the anger is justified as only a particular religion is being “targeted.”
“Charitable activities are linked to all religions, and Muslims carry out these through Waqf. When a particular religion is targeted, there will be tension,” Abdullah told reporters outside the assembly in Jammu.
His statement comes as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide agitation against the Bill, with large sit-ins planned in Patna and Vijayawada on March 26 and 29 as part of the first phase of protests.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee submitted its 655-page report on the Bill to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30. While the ruling BJP-led members adopted the report with a 15-11 majority vote, opposition leaders strongly opposed it and submitted dissent notes.
The opposition has accused the government of attempting to weaken Waqf Boards through the proposed amendments.
The Bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on August 8, 2023, and there is speculation that it might be tabled for passage during the ongoing budget session.
