Tue Apr 15 16:00:01 UTC 2025: ## J&K CM Distances Himself from Assembly’s Waqf Act Debate

**Srinagar, April 15, 2025** – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday distanced himself from his party’s attempt to raise the Waqf Act through an adjournment motion in the state assembly. The move, spearheaded by National Conference (NC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq, was disallowed by Speaker Rahim Rather as the matter is sub judice. The subsequent three-day deadlock in the assembly proceedings has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties.

The Chief Minister acknowledged procedural errors, stating that the Waqf Act, being a central legislation, should not have been addressed via an adjournment motion. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism. JKPC leader Abdul Ghani Lone demanded an apology from Mr. Abdullah and questioned the experience of NC MLAs, alleging that the entire episode was orchestrated to avoid a resolution condemning the Act. Lone accused the NC of complicity in what he termed a “crime against the Muslims of India.”

PDP leader Iltija Mufti echoed these sentiments, criticizing the NC’s failure to pass a joint resolution against the Waqf Act and questioning the relationship between the NC and the BJP, citing Mr. Abdullah’s recent meeting with Union Minister Rijiju. Ms. Mufti accused the NC of normalizing the abrogation of Article 370 and failing to represent the interests of the Muslim population in J&K. The controversy continues to fuel political tensions within the state.

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