‘Hope SC addresses Muslims’ concerns on Waqf law’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hit out at People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti for her remarks on former RAW chief A S Dulat’s latest book about National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah.
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“If Mehbooba Mufti believes everything Dulat writes is true, then should we also consider what he wrote about Mufti’s father in his first book as true?” he asked.
“If Mehbooba Mufti thinks that everything written by Dulat is true, then should we think of what he wrote in his first book about Mufti’s father as true too?” Abdullah told reporters here.
“If we consider that is true, how can Mehbooba make people understand? She should please answer that.” he said.
He further criticised Dulat, alleging that it is his habit to exaggerate facts to boost book sales. “With friends like this, who needs enemies?” he added.
Omar welcomed the Supreme Court’s observations on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and hoped the concerns expressed by the Muslim community will be addressed once the top court gives its verdict on the issue.
“The process of questions and answers is going on. We hope that when the Supreme Court gives its verdict, the concerns expressed by the Muslim community over the Waqf law are resolved,” Abdullah said.
Expressing happiness over the questions posed by the Supreme Court to the Government, Abdullah said, “The top court asked some pointed questions. I believe the toughest question it asked was — if you are involving non-Muslims in matters of Waqf, will you involve Muslims in matters related to Hindus? The Government will have to answer this.”
Abdullah also criticised the recent violence in West Bengal over the Waqf law and said, “Violence should not happen, and we should act patiently. By resorting to violence, we are playing into the hands of those who brought this Act and are trying to divide the nation.”
“We must confront this (Waqf law), not on the streets but through the legal channel. We should trust the judiciary, as we won’t be able to change the Act by taking to the streets.”
On Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir’s recent remarks on Kashmir being a “jugular vein”, the Chief Minister said, “What is new about that? You are asking this question as if the Pakistan army chief said something like this for the first time.
“They keep repeating these things like a broken record. Whenever they speak, they say the same thing. There is nothing new here.”
Asked about the reaction of the Ministry of External Affairs to the Pakistan Army chief’s remarks, he said, “Parliament has ordered that the Government must reclaim that area (Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir). And this is not a new issue.”
“It is based on a resolution passed in Parliament in the early ’90s regarding the other side of Kashmir. But I must say, you all jump when it comes to the area under the occupation of Pakistan, but why do you stay silent about the areas with China?”
“If you raise a hue and cry about the Pakistan-occupied territory, you should also talk about the parts held by China,” he added.
Earlier, Omar released a book titled “The Land of Souls”- A Tale of Adventure and Discovery, authored by 15-year-old Laranya R Kumar, at a function held here.
The event was attended by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, Vice Chancellor of University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, the young author herself, along with her parents, grandparents, family members and friends.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated Laranya on her remarkable achievement at such a young age and appreciated that the young author began writing the book at the age of 13, exploring profound questions such as whether we are alone in the universe or if there is life in another world observing us.
“She not only dared to imagine these possibilities but also translated them into a compelling narrative. At an age when many are still discovering themselves, she has gifted us with a book born out of imagination and curiosity,” he remarked.
Explaining his reason for attending the book release, Omar said, “I am here because I believe achievements like Laranya’s deserve to be celebrated. I want readers to know that what she has accomplished is truly commendable.”
He lauded Laranya for setting an inspiring example, not just for her peers but also for older generations. “She has demonstrated immense discipline and the courage to let her imagination transcend the boundaries that society often imposes,” he added.
The Chief Minister expressed his delight in learning that Laranya is already working on more books. “I look forward to reading the next one, and the one after that. I sincerely hope that her work inspires other young people to take up reading, because the habit of reading, once nurtured early, stays with us throughout life.”
He concluded by urging the younger generation to embrace reading, as it not only broadens perspectives but also encourages budding writers like Laranya to continue expressing themselves and sharing their stories with the world.
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