Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani, president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), has declared that the board will resist the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill “at all costs.” Speaking at an event in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Saifullah emphasized the determination of AIMPLB members to protect their rights, stating that they would be willing to sacrifice their lives if necessary.
Saifullah criticized the government’s intentions, alleging that the bill aims to undermine the authority of Waqf boards and restrict their rights. He claimed that many Waqf properties are currently under illegal occupation. “It is a matter of life and death for us. If needed, Muslims across the country will fill the jails, leaving no space for criminals,” he asserted.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in Parliament on July 28, has faced strong opposition and was subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The bill seeks to limit the powers of Waqf boards and proposes including non-Muslims and Muslim women in the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards.
Earlier this month, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren met with an AIMPLB delegation, expressing his intention to oppose the bill in Parliament. The board’s statement described the bill as a threat to Waqf properties, claiming it contradicts the Constitution and undermines India’s democratic and federal principles.
Saifullah voiced concerns that management of Waqf properties by non-Muslims would jeopardize the interests of Muslim communities. He pointed out the disparity in temple land ownership in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh compared to Waqf land, questioning the rationale behind the government’s focus on Waqf properties.
Additionally, Saifullah alleged that the central government is pressuring Waqf Board members to weaken their legal cases. He raised concerns about the fairness of decisions made by government-appointed collectors in disputes involving Waqf properties.
In a related incident, tensions flared during a meeting of the Joint Committee on the Waqf Bill when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee clashed with BJP’s Abhijit Gangopadhyay, leading to Banerjee’s suspension for unruly behavior.
The AIMPLB continues to rally against the proposed Waqf Bill, asserting that it poses a significant threat to the rights of Muslim communities across India.
