jj correspondent
Jammu, Apr 07: National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah strongly criticized the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill, labeling it “unconstitutional,” and expressed his hope that the Supreme Court would provide justice in this matter. He also clarified that he would not engage in discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, emphasizing that such matters should be addressed by the future Chief Minister.
Addressing the media, Dr Abdullah reiterated that the Waqf Amendment Bill has already been challenged in the courts, which is why the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, had refused to allow a debate on it. “Since the issue is sub judice, we have placed our trust in the judiciary to resolve this matter fairly. We hope the Supreme Court will deliver justice,” he said, asserting his belief in the judicial process to address the constitutional concerns surrounding the Bill.
The controversial Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked significant debate and opposition in the region, with critics arguing that it undermines the autonomy of Waqf institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Abdullah’s statement added fuel to the ongoing legal and political firestorm over the Bill.
When asked about the ongoing visit of Home Minister Amit Shah to Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Abdullah acknowledged Shah’s trip as a positive step, particularly in terms of reviewing the security situation along the border and addressing the overall situation in the region. “It is good that the Home Minister is here to assess the security situation,” he remarked. However, he expressed a cautious optimism regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “We hope that J&K’s statehood is also restored in due course,” he added, underscoring the importance of this issue for the people of the region.
Despite his hope for statehood restoration, Dr. Abdullah made it clear that he would not intervene directly in discussions with the Union Home Minister on the matter. “I will not intervene or hold talks with the Home Minister regarding the restoration of statehood. It is the responsibility of the Chief Minister, once appointed, to engage with the Home Minister on such issues,” he stated, making it clear that the NC would await the political process to unfold.
Asked if he believed statehood would indeed be restored, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir reflected philosophically, saying, “The world stands on hope. It is hope that keeps a human alive. We pray to Almighty for an end to our problems, and we hope that statehood will be restored soon.”
Dr. Abdullah’s comments reflect the ongoing uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir, as the region continues to grapple with its changed political landscape post-2019. His call for judicial intervention on the Waqf Amendment Bill and his cautious optimism about the restoration of statehood highlight the complex political dynamics at play in the union territory. The NC leader’s stance on the matter continues to resonate strongly with those advocating for the return of Jammu and Kashmir’s full autonomy.
