Uproar in J&K Assembly as JKNC MLA Tanvir Sadiq Demands Discussion on Waqf Bill
Srinagar, April 7: A major ruckus erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday after Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq demanded an adjournment motion to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
While pressing for the motion, Sadiq clarified that the party was not questioning the authority of Parliament but seeking to voice the sentiments of the people of the Union Territory.
“This is a very emotional and sensitive issue for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a Muslim-majority state. We are not challenging the authority of the Parliament, but we want to express our sentiments,” Sadiq stated.
He emphasized that the Assembly is the appropriate forum to represent public concerns, particularly on issues with deep cultural and religious significance.
“If we do not put our point in the Assembly, then where will we? As per the law, we sought an adjournment motion and will continue to do so until the Speaker allows a discussion,” he added.
The session witnessed heated scenes as NC MLAs stormed the well of the House, raising slogans against the Waqf Amendment Bill. Marshalls intervened to restrain the protesting legislators. The protest was triggered after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected the adjournment motion, citing that the issue is sub judice.
“As per rules, no matter that is sub judice can be discussed through an adjournment motion. Since the issue is in the Supreme Court and I have a copy of the petition, we cannot take it up under this motion,” Speaker Rather stated.
The PDP, although not allied with the NC, also joined the protest and accused the government of facilitating BJP’s policies on the ground.
On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which had earlier been passed by both Houses of Parliament—128 votes in favour and 95 against in the Rajya Sabha, and 288 in favour and 232 against in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill aims to modernize the administration of waqf properties by empowering stakeholders, improving the efficiency of registration, surveys, and case disposals, and introducing technological tools for better governance. It also repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.
