MP Waqf Board to act on 2000 encroachments

Bhopal

After the Waqf Amendment Act came into effect, Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman Sanwar Patel announced that around 2,000 people who are illegally occupying Waqf properties will soon receive notices. These individuals will be asked to either vacate the properties or become legal tenants. If they fail to comply, legal action will be taken under the new law. Patel said the board has begun work on this across the state, where out of 15,008 Waqf properties, many are under unauthorized possession.

He accused several Congress leaders of occupying these properties, claiming that the largest revenue recovery notice, worth ₹7.11 crore, was issued to Congress leader Riyaz Khan. Patel also alleged that most of the names on the upcoming list of 2,000 encroachers would be from Congress.

In response, Congress leader Swadesh Sharma criticized the Waqf Amendment Act, calling it an attempt by the BJP to divide people and transfer donated land to industrialists. He argued the land was meant to help the poor, not to be handed over by the government.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Muslim Tyohar Committee staged a protest against the Act near Iqbal Maidan in Bhopal, demanding its withdrawal. Though they were denied permission to protest at the Maidan, they demonstrated nearby under heavy police presence. Protesters also plan to challenge the Act in the Supreme Court.