*BJP MLAs storm House well, opposition demands debate on Waqf Amendment
Speaker cites no room to undo Parliament’s decision
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD)The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed unruly scenes yet again today as proceedings were disrupted for the third consecutive day over the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the House till 1 PM.
As the day’s session commenced, BJP MLAs stormed the well of the House, shouting slogans and demanding the National Conference (NC) withdraw its opposition to the bill. The resulting uproar led to a heated standoff between treasury benches and opposition members, making it impossible for the Speaker to proceed.
While the opposition—led by the NC along with the PDP, People’s Conference, and Awami Ittehad Party—demanded a thorough debate on the Waqf Amendment, the Speaker ruled out any such discussion, maintaining that the matter had already been settled by Parliament.
“This bill was passed in Parliament and cannot be undone here. There is no scope for debate at the state level,” the Speaker said before adjourning the session amid persistent slogan-shouting.
Opposition leaders have alleged that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2023 undermines local autonomy, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, where Waqf properties play a crucial religious, cultural, and social role. They argue the bill was enacted without consultation and dilutes the community’s say in the management of its assets.
BJP legislators, on the other hand, defended the amendment as essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in Waqf management. “This is about reform and stopping the misuse of religious assets. Opposition parties are politicising it to mislead the people,” a BJP MLA said on the floor of the House.
The political tension has been further fuelled by the recent visit of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to the Valley and his meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shortly after the amendment’s passage. Opposition parties accused the Centre of ignoring Muslim sentiments and centralising control over religious institutions.
With no end to the deadlock in sight, the opposition has urged the government to bring a formal resolution rejecting the amendment, while the BJP remains firm on its stance to uphold the bill(DD)
