India Tomorrow
BENGALURU: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Chikmagalur unit, has submitted a memorandum to the Joint Parliamentary Committee through the district collector, demanding the rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
In a press conference, APCR Chikmagalur District President Muhammad Samiullah characterized the Waqf Amendment Bill as a “poisonous bottle labeled as nectar,” claiming that the government is attempting to mislead the public by portraying the bill as beneficial. He called for its immediate withdrawal, highlighting significant concern among Muslims regarding the implications of the bill. Samiullah argued that any changes to the law should serve the betterment of society and the public, asserting that this bill fundamentally contradicts that principle.
Pointing out that Waqf is a religious and personal issue for Muslims, he said that their ancestors dedicated their properties for religious purposes, and this should not lead to misappropriation. The government, he insisted, must take robust steps to protect Waqf properties.
Also present were APCR Vice President Saleem Sahib, D.K. Haider, Ghous Peer Munna, District President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Abdul Rauf, Rizwan Sahib from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Mufti Samiullah, President of the Welfare Association, and other leaders. They reiterated their rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling on the government to dismiss it.
The leaders made it clear that they will not accept government interference in Waqf properties, which are designated for community use and should be preserved for their intended purposes. They expressed concern that the government’s actions appear to seek to wrest control of Waqf properties from Muslims. Asserting that Muslims nationwide are protesting against this perceived conspiracy, they vowed to resist any attempts to undermine their rights.
