India’s parliament has begun debating a proposed law that would amend laws governing Muslim land endowments, sparking concerns among Muslims and opposition parties. The bill, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, aims to add non-Muslims to boards managing waqf land endowments and give the government a larger role in validating their land holdings.
The government claims the changes will help fight corruption and mismanagement while promoting diversity. However, critics fear the law could further undermine Muslim rights and lead to confiscation of historic mosques and other properties. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill, which would reform a 1995 law governing waqfs.
The bill’s introduction has been met with opposition from both Congress-led parties and Hindu radical groups. Critics argue that the proposal is discriminatory and politically motivated, aiming to weaken minority rights. Many Muslim groups have protested against the bill, citing concerns over its impact on their community’s properties and rights.
Waqfs are traditional Islamic charitable foundations in which a donor sets aside property for religious or charitable purposes. In India, waqf property controls 872,000 properties worth an estimated $14.22 billion, with some dating back centuries. The proposed law would require non-Muslims to be appointed to the boards managing these endowments.
Critics fear that the changes could lead to Muslim communities being stripped of their land and historical properties. Hindu radical groups have targeted mosques across India, claiming they were built on the ruins of important Hindu temples. The bill’s provisions on title and ownership rules also raise concerns among Muslims, who fear they will be subject to greater government control.
The debate highlights tensions between India’s Hindu nationalist government and its Muslim minority, with many accusing Modi’s government of promoting discriminatory policies against Muslims. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has warned that India’s religious freedom conditions continue to deteriorate under Modi’s rule.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/india-muslim-endowments-waqf-parliament-7091a249f1d30a73d1d7b7d64359eedf