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Owaisi Warns Modi Over Waqf Amendment Bill
Owaisi Warns Modi Over Waqf Amendment Bill
Introduction: Owaisi’s Warning to PM Modi
Hyderabad: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has issued a strong warning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Centre’s proposed Waqf Amendment Bill. Speaking at a public meeting in Vikarabad district, near Jama Masjid in Shivareddipet, Owaisi cautioned that the social instability India faced in the 1980s and 1990s could resurface if the government continues to push the Waqf Amendment Bill into legislation. His comments highlight the growing concern over the impact of the bill on the Muslim community and Waqf properties across the country.
The Waqf Amendment Bill: A Roadblock to ‘Viksit Bharat’
Owaisi’s primary concern revolves around the potential effects of the Waqf Amendment Bill on India’s Muslim community and its Waqf properties. He emphasized that if the Centre continues to “meddle” with Waqf properties, the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) will face serious challenges. He cited an example from Somnath, Gujarat, where a 1,200-year-old Dargah was registered as Waqf property in 1947 by the Junagadh Nawab.
However, under the new amendment to Section 36 of the Waqf Act, the government is now requiring a registered deed to prove that the land is Waqf property. This change gives district collectors extensive powers to demand documents retroactively and order inquiries without any set timeline. According to Owaisi, two mosques and a Dargah were already demolished before any explanation could be provided by the Waqf Tribunal.
Non-Muslim Representation in the Central Waqf Council
Owaisi also raised concerns about the representation of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council. He pointed out that in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, there are no Muslims working in key positions within the endowments departments, including roles such as commissioners or assistant commissioners. This, he argued, highlights the systemic exclusion of Muslims from important decision-making bodies regarding Waqf properties. Owaisi questioned why Prime Minister Modi remains silent on this issue of representation and the marginalization of Muslims within these boards.
Owaisi’s Criticism of Modi’s Silence on Global Issues
In addition to his criticisms of the Waqf Amendment Bill, Owaisi questioned PM Modi’s silence on international issues, specifically the ongoing war between Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon. Owaisi highlighted a recent incident where a UN peacekeeping force was attacked by Israel, leaving many injured. He pointed out that 15 judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have classified the attacks on Gaza as genocide, yet Modi has not made any public statements condemning the violence.
Owaisi further criticized the Indian government for its military ties with Israel, mentioning that Spain had seized India’s ammunition bound for Israel. He called on Modi to address these issues, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Arab Nations Criticized for Inaction
Owaisi did not limit his criticism to India alone. He expressed his disappointment with Arab monarchs, calling them “shameless” for their inability to stop the genocide in Gaza. He questioned what answers these leaders would give to Allah on Judgement Day for allowing such atrocities to occur against their own people. Owaisi remarked that while Arab nations had been blessed with oil wealth, they had failed to use their resources to prevent the ongoing injustice in Palestine.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Owaisi painted a bleak picture of the devastation in Gaza, stating that over 70,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving more than 40,000 people dead, including 15,000 children. He also noted that an estimated 10,000 individuals are still believed to be buried beneath the rubble.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, Owaisi asserted that the fight for justice in Palestine would continue for generations. He passionately declared that Palestinians would not rest until they reclaimed the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Baitul-Muquddus (Jerusalem).
A Call to Action for the Muslim Community
In his closing remarks, Owaisi urged the Muslim community to stand up against the injustices they face. He warned the men in the audience to take action, or else they might as well wear “bangles”—a reference to their failure to protect their community. His call to action was meant to inspire a sense of responsibility and resilience among his supporters.
Conclusion: The Return of Social Instability
Owaisi’s speech sends a clear message to the Modi government: if the Centre continues to pursue the Waqf Amendment Bill and ignore the concerns of the Muslim community, it risks destabilizing the social fabric of India. The AIMIM leader’s warnings of a return to the social unrest of the 1980s and 1990s reflect the broader anxieties of many in the community, as they face what they perceive as growing marginalization under the current government.
Disclaimer:
This article reflects the views expressed by Asaduddin Owaisi at a public meeting and is meant for informational purposes. Readers are advised to seek official statements from the Indian government regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill and related issues.
