Waqf properties in Kishanganj, despite being the largest in Bihar, face encroachment, low income, and alleged mismanagement
KISHANGANJ, Bihar – A storm of controversy has engulfed Kishanganj, with the district’s Waqf properties at the heart of the debate. Despite owning the largest share of Waqf properties in Bihar, the district faces alarming levels of encroachment and underutilisation of these assets, with much of the land occupied by encroachers and the land mafia. Adding to the controversy, the local Waqf Board, which holds around 4,000 bighas of land, generates the lowest income in the state.
Opposition parties in Kishanganj have been vocal in their protests against the amended Waqf law, which they claim will only worsen the situation. The protests, which have gained momentum in recent weeks, highlight the concerns of the Muslim community, who allege that the law benefits those in power rather than the people it was meant to serve. Meanwhile, BJP supporters, especially those in Kishanganj, have been pushing back with campaigns like ‘Shukriya Modi Bhaijaan’, touting the alleged advantages of the law.
According to locals, the story of Waqf property in Kishanganj is one of mismanagement and exploitation. Over 60 percent of the valuable land is reportedly occupied by encroachers, with little to no action taken by local authorities. Many residents claim that the Waqf properties are under the control of Mutawallis, who have allowed the land to be misappropriated, thus depriving the community of the benefits originally intended by the ancestors who endowed their land.
In Saudagar Patti, one of the main commercial areas of Kishanganj, properties worth billions remain underused. More than two dozen shops stand on prime Waqf land, yet the rent collected from these shops is minimal. “The rent of some shops is just Rs 500 a month, and many shopkeepers pay as little as Rs 340,” revealed a local source. “In reality, the rent should be between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 based on market rates,” they added. This vast under-valuation of Waqf property is allegedly orchestrated by the Mutawallis, who, it is claimed, have maintained these arrangements for years.
The issue of improper management has raised frustration among the local Muslim community. A young Muslim resident expressed, “If Waqf land was used properly, we could have medical and engineering colleges here, and our youth wouldn’t have to leave for better opportunities elsewhere.”
While some prominent local Muslims have praised the amended Waqf law, claiming it would bring justice to the poor and curb corruption, others see it as a further step toward exploitation. When questioned about the alleged encroachments and corruption, Mutawalli Mohammad Farooq of Bulaki Waqf State declined to comment.
The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), who chairs the Waqf Board, responded by stating that meetings are regularly held with Mutawallis to address such concerns. He denied allegations of illegal occupation of Waqf properties, insisting that no formal complaints had been received. However, local voices insist that an independent committee should investigate the matter thoroughly.
With the Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, both the ruling BJP and opposition parties are making the Waqf law a central issue. While the BJP works to convince the public of the law’s benefits, opposition leaders have challenged it in the Supreme Court, accusing the government of using it as a political tool.
“This issue is not just about law, it’s about the survival and future of our community,” said a local political leader. “We need justice, not political games.”
