Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 15 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said people of one religion are being targeted through the Waqf Amendment Act. He described the Supreme Court’s decision as a positive step and expressed hope that other problematic sections of the Act would also be addressed, after the court refused to stay the entire law but put certain provisions on hold.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said, “We have been saying that people of one religion are being targeted through this bill. It is good that the Supreme Court has also understood this. It will be good if other objectionable parts in this Act are also highlighted.”
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court refused to stay the entire Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, but put certain provisions on hold pending final adjudication of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih observed that some sections of the amended Act require protection.
The Chief Minister also urged authorities to withdraw the Public Safety Act (PSA) case against AAP MLA Mehraj Malik and release him promptly.
“PSA case against him should be withdrawn and he should be released as soon as possible,” Abdullah said.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik, representing Doda constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, was booked under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 (PSA) on September 8, citing activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. The PSA, a preventive detention law, allows authorities in Jammu & Kashmir to detain individuals without trial for up to two years in certain cases.
Abdullah further commented on the highway closure in the Kashmir Valley, stating that it is under the central government’s control. “If the highway were under me, I would have opened it. This highway falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian government. I will speak to the highways minister Gadkari ji, urging him to restore the highway and open it. I would also like to say to the Railway minister that more trains should be operated from here,” he added. (ANI)
About The Author
