Srinagar, January 24 (KNS): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, leader of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), will present the delegation’s concerns on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in Delhi on Friday, January 24, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The meeting, part of the JPC’s revised schedule, was announced by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on January 23.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had confirmed the meeting to KNS stating that the MMU delegation intends to share their concerns regarding the bill, which has raised significant anxiety within the Muslim community. Leaders from Kargil and Ladakh are also part of the MMU team.

Earlier, in September 2024, Mirwaiz wrote to Jagdambika Pal, head of the JPC, expressing concerns over the bill and seeking a meeting to address the potential impact of the amendments.

He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir, being a Muslim-majority region, has specific concerns that need to be addressed thoughtfully. The MMU delegation reiterated their request for a meeting, citing the critical nature of the bill, which they believe could undermine the autonomy and purpose of Waqf properties in the region. The committee is expected to review the bill clause-by-clause on January 27.

Notably,.this is the first time Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is meeting any high powered central Government committee on any issue. (KNS)