All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) President, Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani, has declared firm opposition to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, asserting that the organization will resist the legislation “at all costs.” Speaking at a recent gathering in Kanpur, Rehmani vowed that AIMPLB members would go as far as risking their lives to protect Waqf properties from what he described as attempts by the government to diminish the rights of Muslim communities.
Rehmani criticized the central government’s intentions, arguing that the proposed changes to the Waqf Act are aimed at reducing the powers of Waqf boards and could pave the way for encroachment on Waqf land. The bill, introduced on July 28, 2024, seeks to reform the structure of Waqf boards by reducing their powers, which currently include the right to designate property as Waqf land, and to mandate the inclusion of non-Muslims and Muslim women on Waqf boards.
In a charged statement, Rehmani said, “It is a matter of life and death for us, and we should stop it (the Waqf bill) at all costs. If needed, the Muslims of the country will fill the jails in such a way that the government will not have any place to house criminals.” He added, “If needed, we will not hesitate to give our own lives.”
Opposition from Other Political Leaders
AIMPLB’s stance against the bill has gained support from regional leaders. Earlier in October, AIMPLB representatives met with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who assured the delegation that he would oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill if presented in Parliament. The AIMPLB argued that the proposed amendments violate the constitutional principles of federalism and religious rights, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for minority groups across the country.
Concerns over Management and Ownership of Religious Properties
At the Kanpur event, Rehmani expressed concerns over government influence in managing Waqf boards, emphasizing the importance of Muslim-led oversight of mosques, graveyards, and other religious properties. “If non-Muslims manage Waqf boards, will they care about your mosques and graveyards?” he questioned. Rehmani highlighted the disparity in religious land ownership across states, referencing Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where temple lands collectively account for over a million acres. In comparison, Waqf properties across India cover an estimated 600,000 acres. “What is the problem with that?” he asked.
Recent Committee Disputes Over the Bill
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill witnessed high tensions on October 22 when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee clashed with BJP’s Abhijit Gangopadhyay over the proposed amendments. Banerjee’s heated response resulted in him smashing a glass water bottle on the table, injuring his hand and leading to his one-day suspension from the committee.
