Jammu's religious groups reject support for Waqf Bill

On March 24, 2025, several Muslim organizations in Jammu’s Rajouri district criticized Darakhshan Andrabi, the chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, for her support of the Waqf Amendment Bill. These groups, including the Islamic Welfare Organisation and others, argued that her remarks have upset the Muslim community. In a joint statement, the religious bodies expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendments in the Bill. They claimed that these changes threaten the sanctity and independence of waqf properties, which are important to the religious and cultural identity of Muslims. Shafqat Mir, president of the Islamic Welfare Organisation, described Andrabi's comments as deeply hurtful and demanded that she retract her statement. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also raised concerns about the Bill, suggesting that it could have hidden motives. He emphasized that all religions engage in charitable activities, and he questioned why only the Muslim community seems to be targeted in this way. Abdullah warned that such actions could lead to increased tensions within the community.