“No more arbitrary land claims”: Kiren Rijiju on Waqf Act overhaul

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed concerns regarding recent amendments to the Waqf Act during his visit to Kochi, highlighting the importance of safeguarding land rights for all citizens. The minister underscored that the new amendments are aimed at rectifying past injustices and ensuring that no land can be arbitrarily declared as Waqf property without due process.

"Land is one of the most valuable assets. Losing one's land is equivalent to losing everything," Rijiju said. "There must be legal safeguards to ensure no one can unilaterally or forcefully take away someone else’s land. The amendments to the Waqf Act are designed with this principle in mind."

He emphasized that the move is not targeted at any community. "A false narrative is being spread that the central government is acting against Muslims. That is not true. Our goal is to correct historical wrongs and ensure justice for every citizen."

Highlighting a specific case in Munambam, Kerala, Rijiju expressed concern over 404 acres of land being declared as Waqf property by the Kerala Waqf Board, affecting around 600 fishermen who had been residing and paying taxes for the land. "This incident exposed the loopholes in the law, and the emotional and legal distress it caused prompted the central government to act."

He also noted that India has the highest number of Waqf properties globally, and while respecting religious institutions, the government aims to bring accountability and transparency in land matters.