Terms it as ‘intrusion into religious affairs’
Joining the community members across the country, the Muslim Council Dimapur (MCD) has also expressed strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.
Addressing a press conference here Saturday, MCD working president Ahidur Rehman, executive member Ata Tapadar, and treasurer Kurban Ahmed termed the Amended Act as “intrusion” into the religious affairs of the Muslim community. They also raised concerns over the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf management boards.
MCD said the amended Waqaf Act undermined the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions. Rehman explained that under Islamic law, Waqf referred to a permanent endowment made by a Muslim for religious or charitable purposes.
He said such properties cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited, and were meant solely for the welfare of the community. Further, he maintained that the amended Act would not directly affect Muslims in Nagaland, as there was currently no Waqf property or Waqf Board in the state. However, he expressed solidarity with Muslims across the country, who could be impacted by the amended Act.
“We feel this is an intrusion into the religious domain of a minority community,” said Rehman. MCD working president said the Centre may claim good intentions, but added the amended Act was not acceptable to Muslim community. “We plan to submit a memorandum to the Governor and the Chief Minister, urging for the repeal of this law,” he said.
Rehman particularly raised concern over a provision in the amended Act that allowed inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Waqf management committees—at both state and central levels. “How can someone with no understanding of Islam be included in the administration of Muslim religious endowments? This is a clear overstep into religious matters,” he said.
Further, Rehman questioned the selective nature of the amendment. “Every religion manages its own affairs. Why is only the Muslim community being targeted? We sense something fishy behind this move,” he said.
Calling for support, MCD urged civil society groups and right-thinking citizens to stand with the Muslim community. “We are not against transparency. But transparency should not come at the cost of religious autonomy. Including non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is not the way forward,” he added.
Ata Tapadar said the matter was now under judicial consideration, with Supreme Court scheduled to hear the matter on April 16. “We hope justice will prevail. We have no objection to the amendment per se, but the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is deeply problematic for the Muslim community,” Tapadar said.
MCD leaders also reiterated commitment to peaceful and democratic means of protest. They underscored that their objective was to safeguard religious sanctity while upholding constitutional rights.