By Zillur Rahman Haider
NEW DELHI: The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) hosted a significant programme at the Milli Model School in Abul Fazal on Sunday, focussing on the implications of the new Waqf Amendment Bill while also conducting elections for its Delhi Unit leadership.
Later in the day, the AIMMM convened a General Governing Body meeting at the same venue, where pressing issues such as the Gaza War and other community matters were discussed.
The event attracted a diverse assembly of community members, including scholars, activists, and local leaders, all eager to explore the potential impacts of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The programme began with a Quranic recitation by Maulana Arshad Nadwi, followed by a warm welcome address.
The guest speaker, Anas Tanvir—an advocate and founder of the Indian Civil Liberties Union—provided a historical overview of Waqf properties in India and delivered critical insights into the government’s proposed changes. He raised significant concerns about the transfer of authority from Waqf Boards to district collectors regarding property status, warning that this shift could lead to the misuse of power and a detrimental erosion of community control over Waqf assets.
AIMMM member Mohammad Sulaiman speaking at the AIMMM(regd) meeting on October 13, 2024.
Dr. Zafrul Islam Khan, ex-chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission and current president of AIMMM, addressed the assembly, highlighting the corruption within the Waqf Board as a government body.
“Corruption is prevalent in the Waqf Board and the institution is fully controlled by the government,” Dr Khan remarked. He criticized the government’s proposed changes to the Waqf Act of 1995, arguing that they would facilitate further encroachments on Waqf properties.
Dr. Khan urged the Muslim community to remain vigilant and organized, advocating for local management of Waqf assets akin to the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee model. He called on Muslims in India to document Waqf properties and take legal action against encroachments. Dr. Khan emphasized the need for a continued struggle to ensure that Waqf properties are managed by the Muslim community itself.
Kamal Farooqi, former spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party, emphasized the need for unity and collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing the community. He highlighted the importance of comprehensive research to tackle issues related to the Waqf Bill and encouraged continued work towards social justice, education, and empowerment.
The newly elected Delhi unit office-bearers include Syed Mohammad Noorullah, president, Dr. Mohammad Rahmatullah, vice-president, Dr. Mohammad Ali Johar and Mohammad Nayyar, general secretaries, Mohammad Maroof (treasurer).
The newly elected Delhi State Unit president, Syed Mohammad Noorullah, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged the challenges of misuse of waqf properties particularly in the national capital and across India. He emphasized the need for the AIMMM to play a proactive role in ensuring that Waqf properties serve the community’s interests, particularly in education, health, and social welfare.
Attendees in the AIMMM’s Delhi State Unit
Dr M.A Johar, Mohammad Maroof, Prof. Abdul Quaiyum Ansari, Mohammad Tahir. Md Khan, Dr Mohd Rahmatullah, Syed Mohammad Noorullah, Atiq Ahmad, Mohammad Arshad, Atiqur Rahman Siddiqui, Md. Asad Nadwi, Mohd Arshad Nadwi, Kamal Farooqui, Yaseen, M. F. Ahmad, Shaheen Kausar, Muslehuddin, Mohd Tayyab, Rafi Ahmad, Dr. Abdul Qadir Khan, Prof. Zubair Ahmad, Hafiz Manzoor Ali Khan, M. Tariq Siddiqui, Anas Tanwir, Dilshad Khan, Yamin Qureshi, Syed Kamal Ashraf, Dr Syed Shahabuddin, Mozammil Hussain, Zamir Baig, Jamal Ahmad, Mohd Sarfaraz Alam, Syed Akhtar Husain, Feroz Khan Gazi, Ahmed Qidwai, Tanvir Jahan, Sultan Ahmad, Zahidul Hasan, Zafar Ahmed, Md A Zafar, S.G.S. Kazmi, and Syed Ishrat Husain.
AIMMM’s General Body Meeting held on the same day
The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat(regd) later held its General Body Meeting on the same day.
In a resolution, the AIMMM strongly condemned the ongoing anti-Muslim activities in the country, particularly those perpetrated by BJP state governments. These activities include the illegal demolition of homes, mosques, and madrasas, mob lynchings, disruptive chanting near mosques, obstruction of Muslim businesses, and forcing Muslims to vacate certain areas. The AIMMM warns that such actions are leading the nation toward civil unrest and lawlessness.
The AIMMM demanded immediate legal action from central and state government officials to halt these injustices. It encouraged the Muslim community to actively oppose these atrocities through legal measures, including filing complaints and pursuing judicial action. The organization emphasized that silence empowered the oppressors.
Regarding Waqf properties, the AIMMM opposed the proposed changes to the Waqf Act of 1995, which could allow government and individual encroachment. The organization opposed the bill and urged the community to document and protect Waqf properties. It recommended the establishment of a management committee for Waqf and mosques.
On the international front, the AIMMM condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza and its recent extension of aggression into Lebanon. It highlighted the devastating humanitarian impact, including widespread displacement and destruction of infrastructure in Gaza. The AIMMM called on the United Nations to revoke Israel’s membership due to its failure to meet conditions regarding the return of Palestinian refugees and withdrawal from occupied territories.
Attendees in the AIMMM’s General Governing Body meeting
AIMMM president Dr Zafrul Islam Khan, Hafiz Manzoor, Mohammad Sulaiman, Mohammad Shams-uz-Zuha, Anwarul Islam, Ata-ur-Rahman Qasmi, Abrar Ahmed Makki, Syed Tahseen Ahmed, Feroz Khan Gazi.
