Political Parties Protest Outside IIOJK Assembly Over Waqf (Amendment) Act

The Waqf (Amendment) Act has sparked intense protests inside and outside of IIOJK Assembly, with opposition members accusing the BJP-led government of undermining constitutional values and divisive politics.

Members of the coalition government in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Assembly organized protests outside the House in response to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest followed a ruckus inside the House when the Speaker adjourned proceedings after opposition members demanded a discussion on the controversial new law.

Lawmakers from the National Conference (NC), Congress, CPI-M, and some Independent members staged a sit-in at the Assembly’s entrance, voicing their opposition to the BJP-led government’s stance on the issue. They strongly condemned the new Waqf law and accused the ruling party of being dismissive of their concerns.

National Conference (NC) member Altaf Kaloo, speaking to reporters, condemned the behavior of the BJP lawmakers, alleging that they resorted to manhandling and raised religious slogans inside the House. Kaloo pointed out that the protest was about constitutional matters, not a display of violence. He further questioned why the issue could not be debated in a Muslim-majority region like Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, referencing how Tamil Nadu’s Assembly passed a resolution despite Muslims comprising only 6 percent of its population.

Despite these objections, the Speaker rejected the demand for a debate, which led to heightened tensions. CPI-M member M Y Tarigami, who joined the protest, called on all political forces to unite against the BJP and its divisive agenda. Tarigami expressed his concerns that the Act would deepen existing divisions in society and urged fellow lawmakers to take a stand for unity.

Congress member Irfan Hafeez Lone also participated in the protest, holding a banner that read “Waqf Amendment Bill is not acceptable to us.” Lone echoed concerns that the new legislation was not in line with the interests of the people and strongly criticized the BJP. He went as far as labeling the BJP as “supporters of Nathuram Godse” during the protest inside the House.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, which has stirred significant controversy, continues to dominate political discussions in IIOJK, with many viewing it as an attempt by the central government to interfere in regional matters. The opposition parties have voiced their concerns about the impact of the law on the state’s Muslim-majority population and its potential to create further divisions.

As protests continue, the political atmosphere in the Assembly remains tense, and the issue shows no signs of being resolved anytime soon. With the opposition rallying against the BJP, the debate over the Waqf law is far from over, and the outcome of these protests will likely shape future political developments in the region.