Special Correspondent
In India,issues surrounding the Waqf Board and its claims on land have recently surfaced in multiple states, leading to protests,legal disputes,and public outcry.
The Waqf Board,which oversees properties dedicated for charitable and religious purposes,has become one of the largest land-owning entities in India,creating tension as it lays claim to properties across various states.
Land Claims in Kerala:Munambam Protests:
In Kerala,the coastal area of Munambam has seen prolonged protests.Residents there,some of whom have lived on the land for nearly 30 years,are under pressure due to recent notifications claiming their properties as waqf land.
Despite their long tenure and payment of land taxes over the years,many find themselves without support.Banks are now hesitant to grant loans due to the notification, and residents are unable to pay land taxes,raising fears of displacement.
With no clear path forward,locals are protesting, questioning the legality and fairness of the Waqf Board’s actions.
Disputes in Tamilnadu:Thiruchendurai Village:
In Tamilnadu,a village named Thiruchendurai faces a similar challenge,with the Waqf Board claiming vast portions of land.
This claim includes not only private homes but also Hindu temples and other areas with historical significance,where families have resided for generations.
The sweeping claim has led to intense frustration among residents,as their ancestral land and cultural sites are now being contested.The entire village is spread over 389 acres-all of which is held by waqf,as per it’s record.
Karnataka’s 1,500-Acre Land Notification:
Karnataka has also experienced large-scale claims by the Waqf Board.In Vijayapura,an overnight notification declared approximately 1,500 acres of land as waqf property.
Many farmers received notices from the board,notifying them that their agricultural land was now under waqf jurisdiction.
Farmers,who rely on these lands for their livelihoods,are left with few options,sparking concerns over food security and economic impact.
Recent Government Efforts and Controversies:
In response to these disputes,the Government of India introduced a new Waqf Bill aimed at reform.The bill seeks to introduce digital record-keeping of waqf properties,enhance transparency,and prevent claims over government land transferred to the Waqf Board in the past.
However,the bill has faced objections from opposition parties,and debate continues on how to address the complex issues surrounding waqf land administration.
Concerns over Waqf Board Governance and Allegations of Favoritism:
Critics argue that Waqf Boards, appointed by state governments, are often influenced by political interests. In some cases,board members allegedly allocate waqf lands to private entities for institutions or other ventures, leading to allegations of mismanagement and favoritism.
Broader Social and Religious Implications:
The ongoing issues have also sparked a larger social dialogue, with concerns about land rights and equitable treatment across communities.
Some argue that India,as a democratic nation,should reconsider the role and reach of the Waqf Board, especially regarding its impact on other religious communities.
There is growing frustration as people see community-specific privileges, such as waqf property claims,which they feel are inequitable.
Public Sentiment and Concerns for Social Harmony:
Many Indian citizens feel that these land disputes could undermine social harmony if not addressed with transparency and fairness.
Recent events also highlight the role of prominent public figures in addressing or avoiding such issues.Concerns have been raised about inconsistent support from public personalities when issues affect certain communities within India.
This disparity raises questions about equal support and advocacy for all citizens,regardless of community or religious background.
Selective Advocacy and Its Implications for Social Unity in India:
There is growing concern in India regarding the selective advocacy displayed by public figures and leaders on issues affecting various communities.
In recent international conflicts,such as the Israel-Palestine situation, some Indian leaders and celebrities have openly expressed support for Gaza.
In some cases, this support has included portrayals of Hamas—a group widely designated as a terrorist organization as a“freedom fighters.”
This selective approach raises questions, especially when similar support is not always extended to issues impacting communities within India.
For instance,actress Manju Warrier has publicly supported certain groups opposing Catholic priests and the Catholic Church, even when the community was experiencing hardship.
Similarly, actor Dulquer Salmaan showed his support for Gaza on social media.However, some citizens feel there has been an absence of advocacy from these figures on critical local issues affecting their own state, such as recent disputes over Waqf Board land claims in Kerala, where people are struggling against what they perceive as unfair displacement.
The lack of attention to issues in Lakshadweep is another example.Residents of Lakshadweep have raised significant concerns, yet there has been limited support from prominent figures.
Many are left questioning whether the muted response is because these areas are predominantly populated by Hindu and Christian communities.
This disparity has led to frustration and skepticism among citizens, who wonder if public figures selectively champion issues that align with particular political or social agendas.
Risks of Selective Advocacy:
Selective advocacy,especially when it appears driven by political interest, risks deepening divisions among communities.
When public figures and leaders choose to address some issues while overlooking others, it can create a perception of bias,eroding public trust.
As a democratic nation, India relies on fair and equitable support for all communities,regardless of their religious or regional backgrounds.Advocacy that fails to represent all communities equally can undermine social harmony.
As the government evaluates the role and governance of the Waqf Board,it will be crucial to find a balanced approach that respects religious rights while ensuring transparency, accountability, and equitable treatment for all communities.
Failure to address these issues could have significant consequences for social cohesion and the rights of Indian citizens.
