Srinagar, Oct 13: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has called for the transfer of Waqf administration in Jammu and Kashmir to the elected government and urged authorities to allow the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, to vet sermons delivered in mosques.
Reacting to the Waqf Board’s move to introduce uniform sermons in mosques across Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said her party strongly opposed the directive, describing it as interference in religious affairs and an attempt to control religious institutions and clerics.
In a post on X, she said the move was unacceptable and reiterated that the PDP had opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill for similar reasons.
“Faith cannot be dictated, nor can religious institutions be subjected to arbitrary control,” she said.
Mehbooba said the orders raised serious concerns about religious freedom and the autonomy of Muslim institutions, particularly when, according to her, Muslims were being excluded from decisions concerning their Waqf properties and mosques were facing attacks.
“If the government insists on proceeding, it must first transfer the administration of Waqf properties in J&K to the elected government and allow the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), headed by the Mirwaiz of Kashmir, to vet sermons,” she said.
Emphasising the constitutional protection of religious freedom, the PDP president said it was a right rather than a privilege that could be granted or withdrawn by those in power.
The controversy comes amid concerns over the Waqf Board’s proposed uniform sermons and the extent of its authority over religious institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba’s remarks add to the debate over the management of Waqf properties, religious autonomy and the role of elected representatives in their administration.
