National Conference Leads Assembly Uproar, Demands Scrutiny of "Unconstitutional" Waqf Act
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – April 8, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today reverberated with the impassioned voices of the National Conference (NC) and allied opposition parties, who staged a determined protest against the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. The NC, spearheading the opposition's stance, vehemently condemned the legislation as "unconstitutional" and demanded immediate discussion within the Assembly, citing its direct impact on the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
NC legislators, led by senior figures, moved an adjournment motion, asserting the Assembly's fundamental right to debate a law that they believe encroaches upon the rights and autonomy of the Muslim community in the region. "This Act, passed by the Parliament without due consideration for the unique context of Jammu and Kashmir, is a blatant assault on our religious and cultural heritage," declared a spokesperson for the NC. "We cannot stand idly by while our fundamental rights are eroded."
The Speaker's decision to disallow the motion, citing the sub judice status of the Act, ignited a firestorm of protest from the NC, Congress, and PDP members. They argued that the Assembly, as the representative body of the people, has a duty to address matters of grave concern to its constituents, regardless of ongoing judicial processes.
"The BJP's claim that this Assembly has no jurisdiction is a deliberate attempt to silence our voices," stated a prominent NC leader. "This is our state, our people, and we will not be denied our right to scrutinize legislation that directly impacts us."
The NC's primary objections to the Waqf Act center on its perceived unconstitutionality, its alleged anti-Muslim and anti-minority nature, and the fear that it will undermine the autonomy of Waqf Boards, which are crucial institutions for the Muslim community. Party members also expressed deep concern that the act betrays the mandate of the Muslim-majority state.
The NC maintains that the legislation represents a dangerous precedent, allowing for undue government interference in religious affairs and potentially leading to the loss of valuable community assets. They have vowed to continue their fight against the Act, both within the Assembly and through legal channels, until justice is served. "We will not rest until the rights of our people are protected," asserted an NC spokesperson. "The Waqf Act is a direct attack on our identity, and we will resist it with all our strength." The party plans to take the matter to the highest court of the land.
