New Delhi [India], April 16: Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday strongly refuted the opposition’s allegations regarding the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act, dismissing claims that the central government is attempting to seize religious properties under Waqf boards.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Rijiju said, “This country is governed by the Constitution and rule of law. The claims that mosques, dargahs, and kabristans will be taken away are completely false and unverified. We have a responsibility to ensure all communities, including Muslims, are protected and heard.”
He clarified that the central government’s role is limited to forming a Central Waqf Council. Disputes and claims concerning Waqf properties will be resolved at the state level, under the purview of the respective District Magistrates.
On the provision that restricts the creation of Waqf properties on tribal lands, Rijiju emphasized that this was a deliberate safeguard meant to protect the rights of tribal communities, particularly in areas under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution, covering regions in the northeast and central India.
“This provision is not to harm but to protect. In some instances, there have been conversions where tribal women’s lands were eventually dedicated as Waqf property. Once such dedication is made, it’s irreversible, potentially altering the tribal land’s status permanently,” said Rijiju.
He noted that tribal sentiments are deeply connected to Jal (water), Jungle (forest), and Zameen (land), and the amendment ensures these bonds are constitutionally safeguarded.
As opposition parties prepare to challenge the amendment in the Supreme Court, Rijiju stated that tribal groups may also appeal to uphold the protection they’ve been granted. “The changes we introduced are aligned with constitutional provisions. We’ve not acted on whims; we’ve followed the law,” he asserted.
Rijiju reiterated that the government’s focus is on addressing irregularities in the Waqf system, not targeting any community, and urged all stakeholders to avoid misinforming the public.