Farmers protest inclusion of ancestral lands under Waqf Board, seek clarity from authorities
Team Clarion
VIJAYPUR — The recent decision by district authorities to include around 1,200 acres of agricultural land in Honwada village, Takota taluk, as property of the Waqf Board has sparked a wave of opposition from local farmers. Many claim that their ancestral lands are wrongly marked as waqf property, adding that they’ve held legal ownership of the land for generations. The issue has rapidly gained attention, becoming a point of intense debate over property rights, historical records, and the role of the Waqf Board in Karnataka.
The ongoing controversy stems from a notice allegedly sent by the local tehsildar, which asserts that the disputed land, covering multiple plots across 43 survey numbers, belongs to the Shah Aminuddin Dargah, a religious institution. This claim, however, is being questioned by residents who insist that no such dargah exists in the area.
Speaking to local media, farmer Tukaram Nalude expressed the sentiments shared by many affected landowners: “The notice claimed that this land belongs to the Shah Aminuddin Dargah, but no dargah by that name has existed in our village for generations. This is our family’s land, which we’ve cultivated for decades. About 41 farmers, including myself, have received these notices, which demand that we show ownership records. We are the rightful owners.” Nalude warned of an impending large-scale protest if the notices are not withdrawn.
Farmers in the region are reportedly distressed about the potential loss of land they consider their heritage. The contested property has been crucial to the livelihoods of many, and families are rallying together, submitting appeals and requesting intervention from district officials.
The Waqf Board, an autonomous body responsible for managing and protecting waqf properties in India, maintains that the notices were sent according to a 1974 gazette notification marking the land as waqf property. According to an official from the Vijaypur Waqf Board, the land records from the period indicate that the land falls under the Board’s jurisdiction and is recognised as waqf property. In response to farmers’ objections, the official explained, “The state government had declared this land as waqf property, and it has been duly recorded in the gazette. However, it’s possible that certain notices were issued to farmers in error. If farmers have valid documents proving ownership, we will not pursue action against them.”
This stance aligns with Zameer Ahmed Khan, Karnataka’s Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare, who recently addressed the matter of encroachments on waqf properties. In his statement, Khan highlighted the importance of protecting waqf land and instructed the Waqf Board to ensure that encroachments are dealt with in a timely and transparent manner. The recent notices are believed to be part of a larger government effort to prevent unauthorised occupation of waqf properties, but the farmers of Honwada insist that their land has been mistakenly included in these proceedings.
To voice their concerns, the farmers submitted a formal memorandum to MB Patil, the district in-charge minister, outlining their grievances and requesting immediate action. They urge the government to halt any moves that would transfer their land to the Waqf Board, stressing that their families have cultivated this land for generations. Many farmers view the Board’s claim over their land as a potential threat to their livelihood.
“We respect the work of the Waqf Board, but this claim is simply mistaken,” stated farmer Nalude. “We cannot hand over our land without a clear reason, especially when no dargah has ever existed on our fields. If this notice is not retracted, we will protest, and it will not be a small one.”
Local leaders and community figures have also weighed in on the matter, with some expressing support for the farmers and others urging the Waqf Board to conduct a thorough review of historical records. While tensions remain, some parties are advocating for a peaceful solution to address the concerns of both farmers and the Waqf Board.
A community leader remarked, “The Waqf Board’s role is essential, especially in preserving heritage sites and ensuring they serve the community’s welfare. However, if there is any doubt about the accuracy of records, it should be resolved transparently. Both the farmers and the Board have a right to know the full truth behind these claims.”
The Waqf Board, however, continues to uphold that any actions taken are in line with legal requirements. An official stated, “We follow the directives of the 1974 gazette, which categorically lists certain lands, including parts of Honwada, as waqf property. We understand the farmers’ frustration, but as a Board, we must honour and protect waqf assets as per our mandate. If landowners can provide their own verifiable documents, we are open to discussion.”
As the matter gains more public interest, many are calling for a transparent resolution based on land records and historical data. Given the significance of the disputed land for the community, both parties appear to understand the need for a fair and informed approach to this complex issue. Many locals believe that a balanced resolution can be achieved with greater clarity on land ownership records and the Waqf Board’s role in the district.
The district administration has yet to issue a formal response to the farmers’ memorandum, leaving many with lingering concerns over the future of their land. Local residents, along with supportive community leaders, have urged officials to engage in open dialogues with both the farmers and the Waqf Board to ensure a peaceful and mutually agreeable outcome.
As the farmers await a response from government officials, they remain hopeful that their land rights will be respected. For now, however, the land remains under dispute, caught between two parties with strong historical and personal claims. This delicate balance between legal ownership and ancestral ties makes the outcome particularly challenging.The land dispute in Honwada village underscores a growing need for transparency and careful handling of waqf property matters. The farmers of Vijaypur are calling for justice and clarity, while the Waqf Board remains committed to preserving its rightful properties. The district administration is expected to mediate the issue to prevent any further escalation. For now, all eyes are on Vijaypur as the community awaits a resolution that respects both the rights of farmers and the cultural heritage under the Waqf Board’s care.