Ruling party playing role of opposition, dodging Waqf Amendment Bill: Hakeem Yaseen

SRINAGAR: Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, on Tuesday criticized the ruling party for evading its responsibilities and behaving like an opposition force by disrupting proceedings in the Assembly. He expressed deep concern over the government's failure to take up the Waqf Amendment Bill, a matter of significant public interest, especially for the Muslim community of Jammu and Kashmir.

 “For the first time in history, we are witnessing a ruling party deliberately stalling its own Assembly proceedings. Instead of facilitating dialogue and decision-making, they are playing the role of the opposition,” he said. Hakeem Yaseen said that the Waqf Amendment Bill deserved urgent attention, as it directly affects the management of religious and charitable properties across the Union Territory. 

“Despite being a Muslim-majority region and with over 20 percent of the population impacted by Waqf affairs, the ruling party chose to look the other way. This is a clear attempt to divert attention and silence serious discussions,” he added. Calling the behavior a "mockery of the public mandate," Hakeem said that while the matter may be sub judice, there was still ample scope for legislative discussion and clarity. 

“People had high hopes that the government would prioritize this bill and bring transparency and reform to Waqf management. Instead, their silence and disruption speak volumes about their intent.” He urged the government to stop playing politics inside the Assembly and fulfill its legislative responsibilities. “The Waqf Amendment Bill cannot be brushed aside. The public is watching, and history will judge those who chose silence over accountability," he added