Muslim leaders allege misuse of new Waqf law; community demands strict action
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI/MOTIHARI – Just hours after the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill received the President’s assent, an incident of attempted land grabbing has stirred strong emotions in Motihari, Bihar. A group of land mafias reportedly tried to take control of land registered under the Waqf Board and began building a wall around it late at night. Thanks to the alertness of local Muslims and Waqf officials, the plan was foiled before full damage could be done.
The incident took place in a prominent area of Motihari city, where locals were shocked to see trucks unloading bricks and cement on the Waqf property. According to eyewitnesses, labourers had already started erecting a boundary wall and some foundation work had begun when local people intervened.
“They came with full preparation as if they had permission,” said Mohammad Irfan, a resident of the area. “But we know this land belongs to the Waqf Board and is meant for community use, not for private buildings. We had to stop them ourselves before the authorities came.”
On being informed, the Chairman of the District Waqf Committee and the local Mutawalli (caretaker of Waqf property) rushed to the location. They called the local administration and demanded an immediate halt to the construction. The swift action prevented further damage to the land.
“This land has been under the Waqf Board for years. It is used for religious and social functions,” said the Mutawalli. “This was a clear case of illegal occupation. They thought we would be scared, but the community stood together.”
The incident has raised serious questions within the Muslim community about the intent and possible consequences of the newly passed Waqf law. Many believe that the timing of the land grab, barely 24 hours after the bill’s approval, was not a coincidence.
“This is not an isolated incident,” said Aftab Alam, Chairman of the District Waqf Committee. “The new Waqf law has given a wrong message. Miscreants think they have a green signal to target Waqf lands. This is dangerous.”
He added, “We demand immediate action against those involved. The district administration must protect Muslim religious land, otherwise things can go out of control.”
The Waqf Bill was passed amid opposition from several political parties and Muslim organisations. It was cleared by the Lok Sabha on April 3 with 288 votes in favour and 232 against, and passed by the Rajya Sabha the next day with 128 votes supporting and 95 opposing. On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu signed it into law.
With its passing, the name of the Waqf Act, 1995 has been changed to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (Umeed) Act, 1995. But instead of bringing relief, the Muslim community fears that land grabbers and those in power could misuse the changes.
“They are trying to make Waqf lands easier to control and transfer,” said Prof Nayeem Ahmad, an expert on minority rights. “This new law weakens community control and opens the doors for outsiders to interfere. What happened in Motihari is just a sample of what may follow across the country.”
So far, the district administration has not arrested anyone involved in the illegal construction. This has further angered local Muslims, who feel the authorities are not taking their concerns seriously.
“If this were a temple or any private land, police would have arrested the culprits immediately,” said a local activist, requesting anonymity. “But when it comes to Muslim properties, the response is slow. Why this double standard?”
The incident has sent a wave of fear among Muslims not only in Motihari but also in other parts of Bihar. There are rising concerns that similar incidents might occur elsewhere if authorities do not take strong preventive steps.
“This is our land, our right. We will not let anyone take it away,” said Mohammad Shakir, a young local volunteer who helped stop the construction. “We are peaceful people, but we won’t stay silent if injustice continues.”
Community leaders are now planning to hold a peaceful protest and submit a memorandum to the District Collector demanding full protection of all Waqf properties and punishment for those behind the illegal act.
Leaders from various opposition parties have condemned the incident and accused the ruling party of targeting Muslims through policy changes.
“The government has created confusion and allowed anti-social elements to act against the Waqf Board,” said MLA Shakeel Ahmad. “If the administration doesn’t act in time, the situation may worsen.”
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board and other Muslim bodies have also criticised the new law, calling it a direct attack on the autonomy of Waqf institutions.
“This law is a backdoor attempt to take control of Muslim religious land,” said Maulana Sajid Rashidi, a board member. “We will fight this legally and democratically.”
The Motihari case has again brought to the surface the long-standing problems related to the protection of Waqf land in India. Many such properties lie under threat of encroachment, often by powerful people who enjoy political support.
“Waqf land is not for sale,” said social worker Sameena Parveen. “It is meant for the welfare of Muslims. The government must respect our rights and protect our institutions.”
As of now, the construction on the land has been stopped, but local leaders warn that this is only the beginning of a longer fight to save Waqf properties across the country.
