State government will protect all Wakf properties: Minister

Bangalore, Jun 9 (UNI) The Karnataka government will take all measures to protect crores of Rupees worth Wakf properties, which were illegally being held by vested interests, Minister for Minorities Welfare, Wakf and Haj, Mamtaj Ali Khan, said here today.

"Government will take all possible measures to safeguard Wakf properties which were changed hands by illegal means at the behest of the vested interests," he said.

Speaking to reporters he said the BJP Government had both 'will and strength' to protect the Wakf properties. It would be done by winning confidence of the community.

He said slums had encroached in some prime properties belonging to the Board and measures would be initiated to clear them after providing rehabilitation to the slum dwellers.

Referring to one of the Board's property on which a five-star hotel now existed, he said the matter was now in Supreme Court and government would fight to protect it.

He expressed regret that despite huge amount of money was being spent on minorities by Union and State governments, a majority of them still remained in BPL. Holding officials responsible for this Mr Khan said lack of awareness among the minorities was also the reason for their plight.

The government had also received reports about misappropriations in Minorities Development Corporation, State Minority Commission and the Haj Committee and the government would take appropriate measures after taking the community into confidence.

UNI MV RS RKN1841