Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday blocked a demonstration organized by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the recently enacted Indian Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, confining protesters to the party’s headquarters in Srinagar. The move has sparked accusations of authoritarian overreach and intensified political tensions in the disputed region of Jammu Kashmir.
Protest Suppressed:
Led by PDP General Secretary Khurshid Alam, party workers gathered at their headquarters near Sher-e-Kashmir Park, brandishing placards with slogans such as “We Reject the Waqf Bill” and “NC’s Silence is Criminal.” As protesters attempted to march toward the city center, police barricaded the gates, preventing them from leaving the premises. The demonstration concluded peacefully after an hour, with no reports of violence.
PDP’s Stance:
Speaking to reporters, Alam condemned the police action, stating, “Our protest was entirely peaceful, yet the authorities chose to stifle democratic dissent. This law, pushed through Parliament under opaque circumstances, threatens the autonomy of Muslim institutions in Kashmir.” He criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its “anti-Muslim agenda” and lambarked the regional National Conference (NC), a rival political group, for its “criminal silence” on the issue.
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Controversy Over the Waqf Act:
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 amends laws governing Islamic charitable endowments (waqf), which manage religious properties and assets. Critics argue the revisions grant the central government undue control over these institutions, undermining their traditional community-led governance. The bill’s passage during a late-night parliamentary session has fueled allegations of procedural impropriety.
Political Context:
The PDP, a key regional party advocating for Kashmir’s autonomy, has positioned itself as a vocal critic of the BJP-led central government’s policies. Meanwhile, the NC’s muted response to the law has drawn ire from opponents, highlighting fractures within Kashmir’s political landscape. Analysts suggest the BJP’s push to centralize control over waqf bodies aligns with its broader agenda to integrate Kashmir more closely with India, a move resisted by many in the Muslim-majority region.
International Implications:
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Kashmir, a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, where concerns over religious rights and political autonomy remain acute. The suppression of dissent, coupled with legislative changes perceived as targeting Muslim institutions, risks exacerbating regional instability.
Response from Authorities:
Police officials have not yet commented on the restrictions imposed on the protest. The BJP has previously defended the Waqf amendments as “reforms to ensure transparency,” though critics dismiss this as a pretext for consolidating power.
Looking Ahead:
The PDP has vowed to escalate opposition to the law, signaling potential unrest. As debates over religious autonomy and central governance intensify, the episode reflects the delicate balance between security measures and civil liberties in Kashmir.
- Waqf: A legal endowment under Islamic law, typically governing religious or charitable assets.
- The NC (National Conference) and PDP are prominent political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, historically advocating varying degrees of autonomy from Indian governance.
- The BJP, India’s ruling party, has faced criticism for policies perceived as marginalizing Muslims, including in Kashmir, where special constitutional status was revoked in 2019.
