New Delhi, September 13 (IANS). Under the JPC, opinions are being sought from organizations and religious leaders from different parts of the country on the Central Government’s Waqf Board Bill. In this connection, a meeting was called in Nizamuddin in the national capital New Delhi. Religious leaders and preachers of the Muslim community participated in it. After the meeting, they had a special conversation with IANS.
Religious preacher Mohammad Kasmin said, confusion has been spread in the entire country on the amendment bill brought by the government on Waqf. Waqf property belongs to the oppressed Muslims. In the last 70 years, political parties and some Muslim leadership have done a lot of wrong with Waqf. The Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi is taking decisions for every oppressed society and the person standing at the lowest rung of the country. So that the backward can also progress along with the progress of the country. Keeping this in mind, amendments have been made in the Waqf Board. We support this and appeal to the Muslims of the entire country not to look at this bill with a wrong eye, they should ask any question after getting educated.
Regarding the controversy over the unlimited rights of the Wakf Board, he said, the poor and widows have a right over the Wakf. It should be used for the education of children.
Referring to the Jamiat Ulema organisation, he said, this is a 100-year-old organisation of Muslims. There are two offices at the RTO, and both are on the land of the Waqf Board. In such a situation, why would the Jamiat Ulema support the amendment.
Regarding the changes that will be made due to the Waqf Board Act, he said, the changes that are happening in the Waqf Board are very wonderful. All the Muslims of the country will benefit from this, for whom the Waqf Board was formed. I hope that Muslims will understand this and will stay away from the political parties that are spreading confusion about this, which also includes some religious people. What good has happened in the 70 years after independence? None of the members or presidents of the Waqf Board were from the Muslim community, then how did these occupations happen?
While talking to IANS, religious leader Tahir Smile said, the intention of the government should not be doubted and the way some people are occupying the land of Waqf Board in every district, they should be removed. The poor Muslims should be given that land. Hospitals and colleges should not be built on Waqf land. Now it seems that everything is in the right direction. Any Muslim who has a problem should put his point in JPC.
Regarding the controversy over the unlimited rights of the Waqf Board, he said, the earlier rights of the Waqf Board have only been misused. Those who were truly entitled to the land did not get it. The lands at prime locations have been occupied by mafias or the Waqf Board has made them its tenants.
He said, now this change will create some balance. Those who are truly entitled to this land will benefit from it, hospitals will be built. This is in the national interest and Muslims will also benefit from it.
Female Muslim scholar Nazia Hussain gave her reaction on Prime Minister Modi’s statement regarding women’s participation in the Waqf Board. She told IANS that PM Modi is absolutely right. Women should actively participate in the board.
He said, the way the Waqf Board Bill is being amended is very important. Nothing has happened in this for the last 70 years. Only a few people have benefited. This bill should be passed. Muslim women should actively participate in it and put forward their problems. Those who were handling the board till now did nothing. If they had done their work properly, then perhaps this amendment would not have been needed today.
–IANS
SCH/CBT
