The revised Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked intense opposition across India, with political and public backlash growing steadily. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly opposed the law, stating unequivocally that she will not allow its implementation in her state. The act, which has yet to be fully understood in terms of its benefits and disadvantages by the general public, has already stirred unrest in Tamil Nadu. A major controversy erupted in Kattukollai village in the Vellore district, where residents received official notices claiming their ancestral land as Waqf property.
Vellore Villagers Shocked by Sudden Waqf Property Notice:In Kattukollai village, around 150 families, who have lived and farmed on their land for four generations, are reeling from a sudden notice that challenges their ownership. The notice, issued by a representative named Sultan Shah, claims the land belongs to the local dargah (shrine). The villagers have been asked to either vacate the land or begin paying tax to the dargah, a demand that has left the community in shock. This sudden declaration has ignited widespread anxiety and uncertainty about land rights and legal protection under the new Waqf rules.
Generations of Legal Ownership Now Under Threat:Despite holding official government documentation for the land, the villagers face a new challenge as the Waqf Board claims to possess older documents proving its ownership. This has thrown the entire community into a state of distress. With confusion around the implications of the Waqf Amendment Bill, villagers now fear possible eviction. In a desperate move to protect their homes and livelihoods, they have approached the local collector's office, demanding urgent intervention. The unfolding situation has raised questions about land rights, historical claims, and the balance between community interests and religious trusts.
History Repeats in Tiruchendurai With Larger Land Disputes:This is not the first instance of such a land dispute in Tamil Nadu. A similar controversy occurred in Tiruchendurai village of Tiruchirappalli district, where the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board laid claim to nearly 480 acres of land. The disputed area included a historically significant, 1500-year-old Chola dynasty temple. Since then, residents have been unable to buy or sell land without permission from the Waqf Board. Many villagers discovered this restriction only when they attempted to initiate land transactions, sparking outrage and disbelief.
National Debate Intensifies Over Waqf Amendment Bills’ Reach:The issue has now caught national attention, intensifying the debate over the revised Waqf Act. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju raised the matter while presenting the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, acknowledging the widespread concern. The implementation of the law, followed by abrupt notices in various states, has triggered unrest and political protests. With disputes like those in Vellore and Tiruchendurai becoming increasingly common, critics argue that the Act could pose serious challenges to property ownership rights. The coming days are expected to see more states weigh in as the controversy deepens.