'Waqf Act challenges religious freedom'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 16 2025: Retired IAS officer AR Khan has asserted that allowing non- Muslims to join Waqf Boards is akin to permitting non-Hindus on the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple Board.

Notably, AR Khan is the president of All Manipur Muslim Meitei Pangal Welfare Association (AMMMP- WA) and chairman of Coordinating for Protection of Waqf Properties in Manipur.

Addressing the media at the quarters of Lilong AC MLA Md Abdul Nassir at Babupara today, AR Khan said that many provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 challenge Islam's religious autonomy.

Saying that widespread protests have erupted across the country demanding withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, he pointed out that several parties and organizations have also filed writ petitions before the Supreme Court challenging the Act's Constitutional validity.

He said that the AMMMPWA has also filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court against the Act.

Further stating that there already is a special Tribunal under the Government to resolve Waqf property issues, AR Khan added that the amended Waqf Act, unfortunately, allows District Collectors or higher-ranking officials to resolve disputes over Waqf properties.

He also said that amended legislation allows non Muslims to join a Waqf Board and the same is unfortunate.

Drawing a comparison between the Waqf (Amendment) Act and allowing non-Hindus on the Govindajee Temple Board or Tirupati Temple Board, he accused the Government of attempting to dilute the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Board and interfere with Islamic practices.

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