Waqf amendment erodes Muslim trust, rising terrorism exposes Shah’s failure: Congress slams Centre
JAMMU, Apr 6: In a pointed critique of the Central Government, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) today accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of failing to contain the rising wave of terrorism in the Jammu region and undermining the constitutional rights of minorities through divisive legislative actions such as the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Addressing a press conference, JKPCC Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma (Adv) expressed deep concern over what he termed a “grim and worsening” security scenario in various districts of the Jammu region. He stated that despite being under the direct control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Union Territory has witnessed a disturbing resurgence of terrorism—particularly since January 1, 2023, when seven minority Hindu civilians were killed in a terror attack in Dhangri, Rajouri.
“Under Congress-led governments, terrorism had been almost entirely wiped out in the Jammu region over the last two decades. However, under the BJP’s watch and the direct administration of the Home Ministry, the region has seen a surge in terror strikes, including fatal attacks on army personnel and civilians,” Sharma said, adding that Shah owes the nation an explanation for his Ministry’s “utter failure.”
Drawing a comparison with the UPA era, Sharma recalled that the BJP, while in opposition, would regularly accuse the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh of not doing enough to tackle cross-border terrorism. “Now, after eleven years in power, the BJP must answer why it has failed to maintain peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.
The Congress leader reiterated the party’s longstanding demand for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, as was promised multiple times by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah. “The current dual governance model under the UT setup is doing immense harm to the people and weakening democratic accountability. The people deserve to know when their rights and dignity as full citizens will be restored,” he said.
Sharma also criticized the Centre’s approach to the rehabilitation of refugees from 1947, 1965, and 1971. While the government had promised a Rs 30 lakh compensation package per family, only Rs 5.5 lakh has reportedly been disbursed, with no clarity on the remaining components, including reservation benefits.
He also slammed the government for its inaction regarding the safe and dignified return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. “The Modi government has failed to build on the comprehensive return and rehabilitation package launched by Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government. In eleven years, there has been no enhancement in monthly assistance, job benefits, or long-term settlement planning,” he noted.
Further, Sharma condemned what he called the “communal and divisive” policies of the BJP, which he said were isolating Muslims and other minorities. “The recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill is not just a legislative overreach—it is a direct assault on the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom and the secular fabric of India. It has deeply shaken the trust of Muslims and created a perception that they are being reduced to second-class citizens,” he said.
Calling the bill an act of state interference in religious institutions, Sharma said it violates the principle of non-interference in religious affairs as enshrined in the Constitution. “India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity, and policies that alienate entire communities are dangerous for national integrity,” he concluded.
The Congress party has demanded that the home minister offer concrete answers and a clear roadmap addressing these multiple failures during his visit to the Union Territory.
