Muslim community in Kohima slams Waqf (Amendment) Act

The Kohima Masjid Committee has expressed resentment against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 and called on the government for constructive dialogues

Apr 23, 2025

By Livine Khrozhoh

Nagaland

KMC members during media briefing at Kohima Jama Masjid in Kohima on Wednesday.
KOHIMA — The Kohima Masjid Committee (KMC) has expressed resentment against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 and questioned about fairness, inclusivity and constitutional validity, while it stated that passing of the bill has created ‘a huge sense of mistrust and doubts on the motive of the government.’
This was stated by KMC members consisting of its PRO, Komrul Islam Laskar; president, Faizur Rahman; vice presidents Moklisur Rahman and Islam Uddin, youth coordinator, Moni; and social activist, Talha, during a press conference held at Kohima Jama Masjid premises on Wednesday.
They have called for constructive dialogues and urged the government to reconsider the provisions that risk eroding fundamental rights.
“Government should reconsider this amendment act 2025. They must engage in meaningful dialogue with Muslim community leaders, scholars and stakeholders to revive contentious provision, ensuring alignment with constitutional guarantees,” they stated.
Referring to Article 26 of the Indian constitution, they stated that an act was passed in 1995 to manage such law adding that a board was formed by the name of “Waqf Board.”

Also read: Combined Technical Association of Nagaland, Nagaland NET Qualified Forum to resume stir on April 24

#Waqf Act #Kohima Masjid Committee

Popular Articles

They asserted that the act violates the right of religion in many ways. Citing an instance where the new bill mentioned that there should be at least two non-Muslim in the Waqf board, it questioned whether the Hindus would ever accept any Muslim in their personal religious matter.
In regard to the appellate authority, they have opposed the act which is mentioned that in a district if the deputy commissioner is a Muslim, he cannot be the appellate authority of the Waqf Board, instead a additional deputy commissioner who is a non-Muslim would become the appellate authority.
Stating that there are a lot of unregistered lands and properties under the Waqf board since the British period, the members claimed that with the new act such properties would be confiscated by the Indian government.
The members informed that they would be submitting a memorandum to the President of India through the governor of Nagaland and also submit a memorandum to the chief minister of Nagaland.
They also claimed that the amended Act undermined religious autonomy, institutional protection and social fabrics of the diverse nation. Alleging that there was not a single point mentioned for the welfare of the Muslim community throughout the entire bill, they have questioned the intention of the government.
They mentioned that the act directly violates Article 14 (equality before law), article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion), article 25 (freedom of religion), article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs) and article 29 (safeguards the cultural and educational rights of minorities.
They have supported the ongoing Supreme Court hearings and called for thorough examination and constitutional validity of the Act. Terming the court’s interim assurances against the notification and appointments as a positive step, they however stated that the final ruling must priorities justice that needs to be ensured.
They also appealed to the communities to stand together against any legislation that threatens religious autonomy.
In conclusion, they stated that they would update the next course of action after seeing the judgment of the Supreme Court as the matter is under judicial review.
When questioned if the act would have any impact on the Muslim community in Nagaland, they replied in negative as there is no Waqf board or property. The members informed that they are expressing sympathy with the Muslim brothers and sisters of the country.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

Nagaland Districts

Popular Sections

News

OPINIONS

Others

Eastern Mirror

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

Nagaland Districts

Popular Sections

News

OPINIONS

Others

Eastern Mirror

Muslim community in Kohima slams Waqf (Amendment) Act

Popular Articles