Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in Uproar Over Waqf Bill

The members of the National Conference and its allies protested against the the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday.

As the speaker Abdul Rahim refused to allow an adjournment motion to discuss the contentious law, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes where lawmakers tore apart copies of the bill.

The speaker's ruling, citing the sub judice nature of the matter due to ongoing Supreme Court involvement, triggered widespread dissent. "As per rules, no matter which is sub-judice can be brought up for adjournment," Speaker Rather stated, leading to a temporary 15-minute adjournment amid the escalating turmoil. Opposition MLAs had demanded an immediate discussion on the bill's recent amendments, expressing deep concerns about their potential impact.

The controversy stems from President Droupadi Murmu's recent signing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 into law, a move that has sparked both praise and strong criticism across political spectrums. The bill, aimed at modernizing the management and administration of Waqf properties nationwide, has ignited significant debate, particularly in Muslim-majority regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Key changes introduced by the legislation include the renaming of "Waqf" to "UMEED," an acronym for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development, signaling a focus on modernization. The bill also seeks to centralize oversight by strengthening the authority of Waqf boards, empowering them to better manage these assets.

Additionally, it aims to enhance local management organizations through improved resources and training. A central objective is the allocation of Waqf property funds to social welfare projects, specifically targeting healthcare and education initiatives that benefit underserved Muslim communities.

Proponents of the bill argue that it will streamline operations, improve transparency, and optimize the use of Waqf assets for community benefit. However, critics, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, express concerns about the bill's implications and the manner in which it was enacted, leading to the dramatic scenes witnessed in the Assembly. The bill also introduces digital record keeping for the over 8.7 lakh Waqf properties in India, and aims to reduce disputes and close administrative loopholes.