Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a stern warning to those participating in street protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. With unrest brewing in various parts of the state, Sarma urged demonstrators to take their grievances to the Supreme Court instead of escalating tensions through public clashes. He emphasized the importance of resolving the issue through legal means, underscoring that peace and law and order must prevail in Assam.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act has sparked significant controversy, especially in states with a large Muslim population, as it empowers the government to appoint a trustee to manage Waqf properties. While the intention behind the law is to streamline and regulate the management of these properties, critics argue that it could lead to undue interference in the administration of religious affairs. This concern has led to protests in various regions, with people taking to the streets in opposition to what they see as an infringement on religious rights.
Sarma addressed these protests during a press briefing, calling for calm and urging those dissatisfied with the law to pursue legal action. He pointed out that public protests often lead to unnecessary disruptions, sometimes resulting in violence, and said such actions could harm the peaceful coexistence of communities. The chief minister acknowledged that while the issue is sensitive, it should be approached in a manner that respects the democratic process and the rule of law.
The Assam Chief Minister also stated that the state government had no intention of curtailing any religious freedoms. He clarified that the Waqf Act was aimed at ensuring proper management of properties that belong to religious institutions and trusts, which have often faced issues of mismanagement and illegal encroachments. Sarma urged the public to view the amendment as a reformative step rather than an infringement on religious autonomy.
Sarma’s call for legal action has been seen as a move to de-escalate the growing unrest. He pointed out that India’s legal system provides ample opportunities for citizens to challenge laws they deem unconstitutional or unfair. By taking the issue to the Supreme Court, he stressed, protestors would be able to seek a resolution in a manner that is both lawful and peaceful, rather than resorting to street protests that could disrupt public life and create further divisions.
The Assam government’s stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Act is in line with the broader push by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to implement policies aimed at managing religious and cultural affairs in a manner that aligns with national interests. Sarma has repeatedly emphasized that the government’s focus is on ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper management of religious trusts and properties, which, in some cases, have been subject to misappropriation.
However, opposition leaders and activists argue that the amendment is an overreach by the state, potentially leading to the politicization of religious institutions. They contend that religious groups should have the autonomy to manage their affairs without government intervention. These groups have also questioned the timing of the amendment, alleging that it could be used as a tool for furthering political agendas rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of managing Waqf properties.
Despite the backlash, the Assam government remains firm in its stance on the Waqf Act. Sarma’s warning against street protests is indicative of his resolve to prevent any further escalation of tensions, while simultaneously signaling that the state government is committed to upholding the rule of law. He also reminded citizens that Assam is a diverse state with people of different religions and cultures living together in harmony, and any attempts to disrupt this peace through illegal means would not be tolerated.
As protests continue in different parts of Assam, it remains to be seen whether they will shift to more legal channels as urged by the Chief Minister. What is clear is that Sarma’s call for peace and legal resolution reflects his broader vision for maintaining social harmony and ensuring that governance remains focused on development rather than getting embroiled in divisive political issues. His approach may pave the way for a more measured and constructive dialogue surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which is central to the ongoing debates over religious rights and the role of the state in managing religious affairs.
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