- DIMAPUR — The
Muslim Council of Dimapur (MCD) has strongly criticised the government of
India's Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, labelling the legislation "fishy"
and an unwarranted intrusion into the religious affairs of the Muslim
community.
- During a press conference held on Saturday in Dimapur, MCD
working president Ahidur Rehman, executive member Ata Tapadar, and treasurer
Kurban Ahmed voiced their concerns.
- Rehman explained that under Islamic law, a waqf is a
permanent, irrevocable charitable or religious endowment made by a Muslim for
the benefit of the community. He emphasised that Waqf properties, dedicated
solely to religious and charitable purposes, cannot be sold, gifted, or
inherited.
Also read: Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging validity of Waqf Amendment Act on April 16
- It has been in practice for a very long time and is present
in religious books and Islamic norms, he said.
- While Rehman acknowledged that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill
2025 would not directly affect the Muslim community in Nagaland due to the
absence of Waqf property in the state, he expressed solidarity with Muslims in
other parts of India who will be impacted.
- “We feel that it is an intrusion on the minority
community," Rehman stated.
- "The government of India may have passed the Waqf
(Amendment) Act, 2025, for good, but it is not acceptable to us. We are planning
to submit a memorandum to the state governor and the chief minister sharing our
thoughts. We hope that the amendment will be repealed for good,” he shared.
- The primary point of contention lies in the inclusion of
non-Muslim members in Waqf management committees at both state and central
levels.
- Rehman questioned the rationale behind this inclusion,
arguing, “How can a non-Muslim be accommodated who has no idea of the Muslim
religion? This, we feel, is an intrusion in the religious territory.”
