Jammu & Kashmir Assembly adjourned amid uproar over Waqf Act
In a dramatic turn of events, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was adjourned on Monday after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather denied an adjournment motion on the Waqf Act, leading to a massive uproar in the House. The National Conference (NC) MLAs had moved a motion to adjourn the Question Hour to discuss the Waqf Act, but the BJP also protested and demanded that the Question Hour be held.
The Waqf Act, which was passed by the previous government in 2019, aims to regulate the management of Waqf properties, including mosques, shrines, and other religious institutions, across the Union Territory. The Act has been a subject of controversy, with many opposing its implementation, citing concerns over the takeover of these properties by the government.
The NC MLAs, led by party leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, were vocal in their demand for an adjournment motion to discuss the Waqf Act. They claimed that the Act was an attempt by the BJP-led government to grab Waqf properties and undermine the autonomy of the Waqf Board. The NC MLAs also accused the government of not taking into account the concerns of the Waqf Board and the religious minorities in the state.
The BJP MLAs, on the other hand, were adamant that the Question Hour should be held as scheduled. They argued that the Waqf Act was a legitimate piece of legislation that had been passed by the previous government, and that it was the responsibility of the Assembly to discuss and debate the issue.
The Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, denied the adjournment motion, citing the rules of the Assembly. He stated that the Waqf Act had already been discussed in the Assembly on several occasions, and that it was not necessary to adjourn the House to discuss the issue further.
The denial of the adjournment motion led to an uproar in the House, with both sides engaging in heated debates. The NC MLAs shouted slogans and demanded that the Speaker reconsider his decision, while the BJP MLAs countered by saying that the NC was trying to delay the discussion on the Waqf Act.
Despite the chaos, the Speaker remained firm in his decision, and the House was eventually adjourned for the day. The adjournment of the House has left many wondering what the future holds for the Waqf Act and the ongoing controversy surrounding it.
The controversy over the Waqf Act has been ongoing for months, with various groups and individuals expressing their concerns over the implementation of the Act. The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has also been vocal in its opposition to the Act, claiming that it is an attempt by the government to grab Waqf properties and undermine the autonomy of the Board.
In recent weeks, the controversy has taken a turn, with reports emerging of the government’s plans to take over Waqf properties and hand them over to the Defence Ministry. The reports have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for the government to reverse its decision and respect the autonomy of the Waqf Board.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been adjourned several times in recent weeks due to controversies and protests. The ongoing turmoil in the state has also led to a decline in the morale of the elected representatives, with many feeling that their voices are not being heard.
The Waqf Act controversy is just the latest in a series of controversies to hit the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The state has been grappling with a range of issues, from the ongoing unrest in the Valley to the economic downturn and the political instability.
In recent months, the Assembly has seen several adjournments and walkouts, with members from both sides of the aisle protesting against various issues. The Assembly has also seen a decline in the attendance of members, with many feeling that the House is not being run in a democratic manner.
The controversy over the Waqf Act has also raised questions over the role of the Speaker in the Assembly. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order in the House and ensuring that the rules of the Assembly are followed. However, many have criticized the Speaker for not doing enough to address the concerns of the members and for allowing the House to descend into chaos.
As the controversy over the Waqf Act continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Will the government be able to implement the Waqf Act, or will the opposition be able to stall it? Only time will tell.
