Islamic Centre Should Lead on Waqf Issues: Afzal Amanullah
Government Should Work with Public Trust: Dr. M. Rahmatullah
New Delhi, August 7Afzal Amanullah, former Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs of the Government of India and candidate for the presidency of the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC), has stated that the Indian government should not rush into any decision on social issues. Mr. Amanullah emphasized that before introducing the Waqf Act Amendment Bill, the government should refer it to a select committee and hold meetings with all stakeholders. This is crucial because the matter is very sensitive, and hasty decisions can impact a large section of society. He suggested that the IICC should take the lead in this sensitive matter and provide the government with accurate information. The IICC should convene a meeting at the Islamic Centre with leaders from all political parties, including Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, intellectuals from the Muslim community, Waqf experts, and leaders of Muslim organizations. The aim would be to prepare a comprehensive report on Waqf properties in India and present it to the government to ensure that all aspects are considered before any decision is made.
Dr. M. Rahmatullah, spokesperson for Team Afzal Amanullah and candidate for the Board of Trustees (BOT), stated that the Indian government should take steps on the Waqf issue only after gaining the trust of the Muslim community. Hasty decisions can be harmful to both society and the government. Senior journalist and academician Dr. M. Rahmatullah endorsed the suggestion of the former bureaucrat and IICC presidential candidate that the Islamic Centre should play a role in this sensitive issue. He pointed out that the IICC has been inactive for years and has failed to play its role in sensitive social and national issues. This is either because the officia bearers are incompetent or because they do not want to risk displeasing the government due to personal interests. Both situations are concerning. Dr. Rahmatullah urged voters in this election to vote for a qualified, experienced, fearless team with a spirit of working for society, so that the nation and society can progress.
Team Afzal Amanullah members Badruddin Khan, Kamal Farooqui, Athar Zia, Sikander Hayat Khan, Saiful Islam, Sohail Rafat, and Dr. Masroor Qureshi also advised the Indian government to make decisions on the Waqf issue only after considering the opinions of all stakeholders.
