Srinagar, Oct 13: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday criticised the reported move of the J&K Waqf Board to prescribe uniform Friday sermons in mosques across the Union Territory, calling it an unacceptable attempt by the BJP to interfere in the religious affairs of Muslims.
In a post on X, Omar said the move would not be accepted under any circumstances and called on the Waqf Board chairperson to immediately stop the exercise.
“This is an unacceptable attempt by the BJP to interfere in the religious affairs of Muslims and will not be accepted under any circumstances,” Omar said.
“The BJP appointed Chairperson must immediately halt this misplaced attempt to please her masters,” he added.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid growing opposition to reports that the Waqf Board is considering uniform sermons for Friday prayers in mosques across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has also rejected any attempt by the Board to prescribe sermons, arguing that religious discourse falls within the domain of Ulema, Imams and recognised religious institutions.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has similarly opposed the reported move, calling for the transfer of Waqf administration in Jammu and Kashmir to the elected government and allowing the MMU to vet sermons.
