Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 11: Police today prevented the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from taking out a protest march in Srinagar against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, by sealing the party headquarters and confining the protesters within the premises.
Scores of PDP workers, led by party general secretary Khurshid Alam, assembled at the party office near Sher-e-Kashmir Park to protest against the Act, accusing the Government of targeting Muslim institutions through the new law.
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Holding placards reading “We Reject Waqf Bill” and “NC’s Silence is Criminal,” the protesters raised slogans against the Act and attempted to march towards Lal Chowk. However, police deployed outside the party office blocked their movement and closed the main gates, restricting the protestors within the premises.
Speaking to reporters, general secretary Khurshid Alam termed the Waqf (Amendment) Act a “conspiracy” against Muslims. “This law is unacceptable to the Muslim community. It was passed in Parliament during the night without debate or consultation. This is an attack on our religious institutions,” he said.
He also lashed out at the National Conference (NC) for its silence over the issue. “While the BJP’s attitude towards Muslims is condemnable, the NC’s silence is equally shameful. They are deceiving the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He further alleged that the Union Minister who introduced the Waqf Bill was given a “red carpet” welcome by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Senior PDP leaders including Abdul Qayoom Bhat, Arif Laigroo, and Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo also participated in the protest. “We are opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act.We are taking this fight to the streets so that the Supreme Court and the Central Government know that the Act is not acceptable to Muslims,” Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo, said.
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