On Friday, April 11, 2025, Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was placed under house arrest in Srinagar. This action prevented him from delivering his customary Friday sermon at the historic Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta locality. Mirwaiz, who resides in the city's Nigeen area, expressed his frustration on social media, stating that authorities continue to trample on his basic religious rights. ​

Opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025

The house arrest coincided with widespread protests against the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), an amalgamation of various religious bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, formulated a resolution expressing deep concern over the new law. The MMU's resolution highlighted that the legislation introduces significant changes in the management and supervision of Waqf properties, potentially diminishing the role and authority of the Muslim community in overseeing its religious endowments. ​

Key Concerns Raised by MMU

The MMU's resolution outlined several apprehensions regarding the Waqf Amendment Act:​

• Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards: The provision allowing non-Muslims to be appointed to the Central and State Waqf Boards, and the removal of the earlier condition that the CEO of a Waqf Board must be a Muslim, is viewed as a deviation from the spiritual and religious ethos of Waqf management.​

• Transfer of Decision-Making Powers: The transfer of key decision-making powers to district collectors, including the authority to determine whether a property is Waqf or not, may lead to unilateral decisions and a weakening of the role of Waqf boards.​

• Removal of 'Waqf by Long-Standing Use': The elimination of the concept of 'Waqf by long-standing use' could result in the loss of mosques, graveyards, and other Islamic sites used for generations without formal documentation.​

• Changes in Waqf Tribunals: Modifications allowing for appeals in high courts may lead to prolonged legal proceedings and delays in the resolution of matters affecting religious endowments.​

Public Response and Support

In accordance with the MMU's decision, the resolution opposing the Waqf Amendment Act was read out in mosques, shrines, and Imambaras across Jammu and Kashmir during Friday prayers. This initiative received overwhelming public support, with prominent scholars, Imams, and Khateebs expressing serious concern over Mirwaiz's house detention and the implications of the new law. ​

Conclusion

The repeated house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the enforcement of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 have sparked significant unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. Religious leaders and the broader Muslim community perceive these actions as infringements on their religious rights and autonomy. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between governmental authorities and religious institutions in the region.

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