Srinagar — A newly published book by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) on the management of Waqf properties and their potential use has sparked a controversy in Kashmir. In response, the Kashmir Seva Sangh (KSS) has demanded immediate reforms and a CBI inquiry into the alleged mismanagement of Waqf properties in Kashmir. They have also called upon the authors of the book to publish a separate version for Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board and expose the influential individuals involved.
The book was launched on Friday by Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, who called it an “encyclopedia of Waqf” in one volume. Rijiju stated that he would quote the contents of the book in Parliament and declared it as an important research and reference guide for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
Waqf Bill 2024: Respect for Islam and a Gift for Muslims — The authors of the book include Shahid Sayeed, Dr. Prof. Shahid Akhtar, Dr. Shalini Ali, and Shiraz Qureshi, who are also national conveners of MRM. The book highlights the need for better management and transparency in Waqf properties to ensure their use for the welfare of underprivileged communities.
The Kashmir Seva Sangh, a leading organization dedicated to the socio-economic development of Kashmir, has expressed serious concerns about corruption and mismanagement of resources within the Waqf Board. In a press conference today, the President and Founder of KSS, Firdous Baba, demanded a CBI inquiry into the alleged misuse of Waqf properties, claiming that these properties are underutilized, with many being encroached upon.
“Years of mismanagement have deprived the people of Kashmir of opportunities that could have changed their lives,” Baba said. “We are demanding a full investigation to ensure these properties are used for the welfare of the people, especially the most vulnerable sections.”
The book has resonated deeply within the community, increasing calls for reforms. It advocates for sweeping changes in the Waqf management system, focusing on transparency, accountability, and greater emphasis on community welfare.
Along with the CBI inquiry demand, the Kashmir Seva Sangh also urged the government to provide special status or a dedicated support package for Downtown Srinagar, which has suffered from socio-economic neglect for decades. Baba also highlighted that the region’s development has been stalled due to lack of access to important resources like agricultural land and sustainable economic opportunities for women and youth.
“We have seen the struggles of Downtown Srinagar for the past 30 years,” Baba lamented. “The government has turned a blind eye to our needs. Without the Prime Minister’s direct intervention, there is no hope for improving the living conditions here.”
Empowerment Initiatives for Women and Youth in Downtown Srinagar
In addition to demanding government intervention, the Kashmir Seva Sangh is also launching community-driven initiatives to empower women and youth in Downtown Srinagar. These initiatives include the establishment of a charitable hospital to improve access to healthcare, and a free coaching center that will specifically help women prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, NEET, and JEE.
KSS National Executive members Naseer Ali Khan (Road Safety) and Eliza Izhar (Education) also highlighted critical issues in the education and road safety sectors of Kashmir. Izhar criticized the lack of investment in educational infrastructure in the state, calling it harmful to the future of Kashmiri youth. Khan detailed the region’s poor road infrastructure and the negligence in adhering to traffic laws, stressing the need for immediate action.
Both leaders emphasized that proper utilization of Waqf properties could address several issues, including unemployment, education, healthcare, and social welfare, and that a comprehensive audit and reforms of the Waqf Board are essential.
Global Collaboration for Kashmir’s Future
Looking beyond the national level, Firdous Baba shared the Kashmir Seva Sangh’s vision of creating a global platform for the empowerment of Kashmir. The organization plans to collaborate with 32 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to raise awareness about the issues facing the people of Kashmir and build international solidarity.
As Kashmir Seva Sangh intensifies its call for a CBI inquiry into the mismanagement of Waqf properties and exposes the socio-economic struggles of Downtown Srinagar, it remains committed to its mission of empowerment and equality for women and youth. The initiative to convert Waqf properties into resources for community development is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Kashmir, ensuring that the region’s resources are used for the welfare of its most vulnerable populations.
