Members of Muslim community in Kohima under the banner of Kohima Jame Masjid Committee have expressed strong reservations over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which was recently passed in the Parliament.
Addressing a press conference at their masjid here on Wednesday, the leaders from the community termed the legislation a threat to religious autonomy and constitutional rights. They reiterated their commitment to peaceful expression in the spirit of Nagaland’s harmonious coexistence.
Kohima Masjid Committee PRO Komrul Islam Laskar, stated that the objective of the meeting was to raise awareness and express dissent against what he called “the most burning issue facing our country today.” He asserted that the WAQF (Amendment) Act 2025 posed serious challenges to religious freedoms and community rights.
Referring to Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, Laskar said the law guaranteed every religious denomination the right to establish and manage institutions for religious and charitable purposes. He recalled that the WAQF Act of 1995 was enacted to safeguard Muslim endowments, leading to the formation of WAQF Boards to oversee such assets.
Questioning the intent behind the 2025 amendment, he said that while the past amendments had been implemented over the years, the current changes “violate core constitutional and religious freedoms.”
He asserted that the Kohima Muslim community had chosen not to engage in protest marches or confrontational demonstrations, opting instead to peacefully register their concerns.
“We believe this Act sets a dangerous precedent,” he stated, adding, “It is only a matter of common sense to ask—who will be the next target?” Social activist Talah urged the government to reconsider the legislation. He described the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 as a threat to religious autonomy and constitutional guarantees.
Talah also expressed concern over structural changes to Waqf Boards, adding that those changes would dilute the community’s ability to manage its religious affairs.
Talah called upon the government to engage in constructive dialogue with Muslim leaders, scholars, and stakeholders to review and revise the Act’s contentious clauses. He welcomed the Supreme Court’s ongoing review of the legislation and emphasized the need for judicial clarity.
Further, he urged all religious communities to unite in defence of religious autonomy. “Today it is the WAQF; tomorrow it could be another community’s sacred institutions,” he remarked.
President of the committee Faizur Rahman and vice president Moklisur Rahman in short speeches conveyed their disapproval of the Act, saying it was totally against the religious freedom of the minority community.