Jammu (J&K), April 7 (ANI): Congress MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone on Monday voiced strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling it a direct assault on secularism and federalism. Speaking to ANI, Lone stated:
“We want to tell the nation that we are against this Act. This is an attack on secularism and federalism. This black cloth is a symbol of our protest, and we will continue to show our resistance.”
He accused the Central Government of “brazenly violating”:
- The rule of law
- Democratic values
- Federal structure
- The Constitution
“Numbers don’t matter in a democracy. The Centre should have taken us into confidence and respected our emotions. What is happening is a matter of serious concern,” Lone added.
“We will agitate for an India that is free from such an ideology.”
Assembly Chaos and Protests
The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes, with opposition parties, including the National Conference (NC) and Congress, protesting against the enactment of the bill. The protest intensified after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected an adjournment motion, citing that the matter is sub judice.
Speaker Rather stated:
“Since this issue is in the Supreme Court and I’ve received a copy of it, the rules clearly prohibit discussing it through an adjournment motion.”
Despite this, NC MLAs, led by Tanvir Sadiq, attempted to storm the well of the House, shouting slogans like:
“Ban karo, ban karo, Waqf Bill ko ban karo”
(“Ban the Waqf Bill”)
Interestingly, even PDP MLAs, though not aligned with the NC, joined the protest — but also accused the NC of staging a “fixed match” over the issue.
Legislative Journey of the Waqf Amendment Act
On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was cleared by both Houses of Parliament:
- Rajya Sabha: 128 in favour, 95 against
- Lok Sabha: 288 in favour, 232 opposed
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to:
- Strengthen management of waqf properties
- Empower stakeholders
- Improve survey, registration, and case disposal processes
- Develop waqf land and assets
Despite its stated objectives, the bill continues to draw sharp criticism from opposition parties, who claim it undermines minority rights and bypasses federal principles.
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