JK CM admits mishandling of Waqf Bill, links it to technical error

STC NEWS DESK
BUDGAM, APRIL 15 (STC): A technical error led to the mishandling of the Waqf Bill issue in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said. At the same time, he stressed that this is the right time to press for the restoration of statehood.
The Chief Minister while inaugurating a bridge connecting villages in Budgam and Pulwama districts, told reporters that the Speaker may have allowed the discussion on the Waqf Bill, but unfortunately the members committed a mistake by filing it as an adjournment motion.
“Adjournment motions are typically filed for matters relating to the working of the government. But the Waqf Bill was enacted by the Government of India in Parliament, so it should have been raised through a different procedural route,” he explained.

The Waqf Bill stirred debate in J&K, with regional political parties alleging attempts to centralize control over religious endowments. Omar said the concern is valid, but procedural correctness is necessary to ensure the issue is addressed effectively.

Meanwhile, the CM reiterated the call for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “I believe this is the right time for the Government of India to fulfill its promise of restoring statehood. The people have waited long enough,” he said.
(STC)