VIJAYAWADA:Expressing concern over the government not taking action to protect Wakf properties, Muslim leaders engaged in ‘Wakf Properties Restoration Movement’ in the country, demanded that the government immediately respond to the problem.
Participating in a meeting organised by the AP chapter of All India Muslim Think Tank Association (AIMTTA) here Sunday, they said Muslims do not have to fall at the feet of government for jobs, education and welfare, if the income generated by the Wakf Properties in the country is used for them only.
AIMTTA national president Syed Shamshad Qadri said since Independence, Muslims in the country have remained a neglected lot in respect to education and welfare. “Tall promises were made to us but none of them was fulfilled. The situation remains unchanged,” he said.
Agreeing with him, other speakers including former CEO of UP Wakf Board Akmal Hussain, Usman-al-Hajri of Deccan Wakf Properties Society, Razia Ashkar from UP, Moulana Abdul Salam from Manipur and NA Qadiri from Darvesh Welfare and Development Organisation of India, Bidar (Karnataka) emphasised upon the need for a united struggle to protect and restore Waqf properties.
Their demands include an ordinance by the Central government for protection and restoration of Wakf properties in the country, setting up of wakf boards in all states, amendment to Wakf Board Act 2013 and setting up of wakf tribunals.
Muslim leaders from AP, including advocate Ahmed Basha, demanded creation of a separate wakf board and a tribunal for the state, which they claimed provide 60 per cent of the revenue to the present Wakf Board in Hyderabad.