Opposition Protests Rock J&K Assembly Over Waqf Amendment Act

Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday as members of the ruling coalition—including the National Conference (NC), Congress, CPI(M) and Independent MLAs—staged a protest outside the House over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, following a noisy adjournment of the session.

The MLAs held a dharna at the Assembly’s entry gate, voicing strong opposition to the BJP-led Central Government and the Speaker’s refusal to allow a discussion on the controversial amendment.

“The BJP resorted to manhandling and raised religious slogans in the House. We reminded them this is a legislature, not a wrestling ring,” NC MLA Altaf Kaloo told reporters.
He said their adjournment motion demanding a discussion on the Act was dismissed without due consideration.

Kaloo questioned the Speaker’s stance, drawing comparisons with Tamil Nadu.
“Even in Tamil Nadu, a resolution was passed on Waqf issues where Muslims make up only 6%. Why can’t there be an open discussion here, in a Muslim-majority region?” he asked.

Escalation and Scuffle in the House

Earlier inside the Assembly, Congress MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone held a banner reading “Waqf Amendment Bill is not acceptable to us”, and accused the BJP of being “anti-Mahatma Gandhi” and “supporters of Nathuram Godse”.

These remarks triggered an angry reaction from BJP legislators, who rushed towards the Well of the House, resulting in pushing and shoving between Lone, Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, and BJP members.
The situation was brought under control by watch and ward staff, who intervened to prevent a physical clash.

“Had the security not intervened, they would have killed me,” Lone later alleged, calling it “an attack on me”.

Opposition Calls for Unity Against BJP

CPI(M) legislator M Y Tarigami urged political and civil society groups across the UT to unite against what he called the BJP’s divisive agenda.

“We appeal to the people of Jammu as well. BJP may attempt to communalize the issue, but we must stand together,” Tarigami said during the protest.

BJP Hits Back, Accuses NC of Inciting Sentiments

Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma condemned the protest, accusing the NC of trying to “stoke religious sentiments” for political gains.

“This disruption was unconstitutional. The Speaker acted fairly, but the NC is politicizing a settled issue just to incite unrest in the Valley,” Sharma said.
He further alleged hypocrisy, saying NC MPs were “silent in Parliament” when the Bill was passed but were now “staging drama in the Assembly.”

Context: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by the Parliament, has sparked concerns in Jammu and Kashmir over autonomy and management of Waqf properties—particularly in a region where such institutions have deep religious and cultural relevance.