Srinagar, Apr 9: PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para strongly criticized the silence of Muslim legislators regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a more serious threat than the abrogation of Article 370, as it directly targets Islamic beliefs and religious institutions.
Speaking during a House session, Para said the current issues go beyond basic infrastructure. โToday, the most pressing concern for Muslims is about mosques, shrines, graves, and our religious identityโnot roads or electricity. Yet, 50 Muslim MLAs cannot unite to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill?โ
He questioned whether the silence meant acceptance of the BJP’s agenda and asked why other states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu could pass resolutions against the bill while Muslim-majority Kashmir remained quiet.
Para accused the ruling leadership of intentionally diverting attention from the resolution and challenged leaders like Omar Abdullah to explain their inaction. โOur heritage, built over centuries, is being taken from us. This isnโt just politicalโitโs about our faith,โ he said.
He also criticized the performative gestures of some leaders, saying public prayers and social media posts donโt equate to real defense of religion. Para expressed frustration that Muslim leaders were seen alongside Union Minister Kiren Rijijuโthe one who introduced the billโon the same day it was tabled. โWhen Muslims needed them most, they stood with the BJP. History will remember this,โ he concluded, calling the situation a deep disappointment and a historic loss for Indian Muslims.