Arunachal BJP pushes for Waqf reforms, condemns terror attack in Pahalgam

Itanagar, Apr 23: The Arunachal Pradesh unit of BJP on Wednesday organised a state-level seminar on Waqf Sudhar Janjagaran Abhiyan at the party headquarters here, where the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, was hailed as a crucial step toward transparency, gender empowerment, and better management of Waqf properties.

The seminar also became a platform for leaders to express deep outrage and grief over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which took 26 innocent lives, including that of Corporal Tage Hailyang of the Indian Air Force from Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing the gathering, Law, Social Justice & Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Minister Kento Jini elaborated on the significant reforms brought in by the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

He explained how the amendment rectifies serious flaws in the original Waqf Act of 1995, notably removing Section 40, which previously allowed Waqf Boards to unilaterally declare any property, including those belonging to Hindus, as Waqf property. The amendment now requires a public notice before such declarations, ensuring due process, transparency, and the protection of property rights.

Jini also underlined the Act’s focus on empowering women, as it mandates that income from Waqf properties be directed toward the welfare of widows, divorced women, and orphans. Additionally, it safeguards the rights of legitimate heirs under family endowments, curbing past misuse of Waqf-alal-aulad.

Jini credited the strengthening of the Act to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising that the reforms reflect the government's broader agenda of inclusive development and good governance under the banner of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

State BJP president Kaling Moyong, while condemning the heinous Pahalgam attack, described it as a cowardly act by forces that wish to destabilize India's progress. He expressed confidence that under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the nation would respond firmly and appropriately to such acts of terror.

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims, with a special tribute paid to Corporal Tage Hailyang.

Moyong also highlighted longstanding mismanagement of Waqf properties, citing the 2006 Sachar Committee Report, which noted that over four lakhs registered Waqf properties generated only Rs 164 crore annually, despite a potential to yield as much as Rs 12,000 crore.

Referring to the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WASMI), which lists over 8.7 lakh properties now under registration, Moyong emphasised the critical need for efficient governance and applauded the central government for acting decisively through the 2025 amendment.

However, he acknowledged some opposition to the Act, including resistance from around 600 families in Kerala.

Moyong called upon BJP workers to take the message of the reforms to every district and mandal, ensuring public awareness and dispelling misinformation about the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Adding to the discussion, MLA Ninong Ering criticised the Congress party for politicizing the Waqf Board and using it for appeasement rather than community service. He alleged that lands meant for the welfare of underprivileged Muslims were often misused or misappropriated during the Congress regime.

Ering praised the Modi government for reforming the institution, calling for its complete depoliticization and restoration of its original charitable mission.

In his introductory address, Convenor of the Waqt Sudhar Janjagaran Abhiyan Tayek Goi, underscored the original purpose of the Waqf Board and how women and minorities were historically neglected.

He alleged that the Congress party, despite overseeing the largest number of Waqf properties in the country, misused these assets for vote-bank politics. Goi announced that awareness programs would be organized at the district and mandal levels across Arunachal Pradesh before May 5, 2025, to inform citizens about the reforms.

The seminar was attended by a host of dignitaries including deputy speaker Kardu Nyigyor, MLAs Zingnu Namchoom, Nyabi Dirchi, Puinnyo Apum, Topin Ete, BJP state vice-presidents Tarh Tarak and Junty Singpho, and several Morcha heads, district presidents, in-charges, and party karyakartas.