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The Kerala government has announced its intention to convene a meeting of Waqf Ministers and Waqf Board chairpersons from southern states, demonstrating its active engagement in safeguarding the interests of the Muslim community and their religious institutions. This decision stems from the state's strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Waqf Bill, which it views as a potential infringement upon the constitutional rights of minority communities. The meeting, scheduled to take place soon, aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address concerns surrounding the proposed amendments and their potential impact on the Muslim community.
The Kerala government's opposition to the Bill stems from its belief that the proposed amendments would have far-reaching consequences for the Muslim community in India. The state government considers the provisions of the Bill to be an attack on the constitutional rights guaranteed to minorities, specifically their right to manage their religious institutions. This position was clearly articulated by V. Abdurahiman, the State Minister for Waqf, who stated that the Union government's attempt to amend the Bill would significantly affect the Muslim community.
The meeting, attended by a diverse group of stakeholders including Muslim clerics, MPs and MLAs, members of the Kerala Waqf Board, and representatives of various organizations, resulted in a unanimous resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the proposed amendments. The attendees emphasized the importance of preserving the autonomy of religious institutions and safeguarding the rights of minorities. They also decided to seek an audience with the chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which is currently reviewing the Bill, to convey their concerns and suggestions directly.
The meeting served as a platform for open discussion and collaboration, with participants expressing their concerns and formulating a unified approach to address the proposed amendments. The suggestions and resolutions adopted at the meeting will be forwarded to the State government, which will in turn communicate them to the Union government. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of the Kerala government to protect the rights and interests of the Muslim community and ensure that their religious institutions are managed autonomously and in accordance with their beliefs and traditions.