Story perspectives

Omar Abdullah Rejects Waqf Board Uniform Friday Sermons Proposal

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 4:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board proposed uniform Friday sermons, sparking controversy on October 13, 2026.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the proposal unacceptable BJP interference in Muslim religious affairs.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said a statutory body cannot dictate pulpit preaching.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti demanded the Waqf Board be transferred to the elected government.
BJP-appointed chairperson Darakshan Andrabi said a committee of imams will select topics and denied giving directives.

History

Historical Context

On 6 December 1992 the VHP-led crowd demolished the Babri Masjid, sparking riots that killed more than 2,000 people and prompting inquiries that held BJP leaders accountable. The 2026 Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board’s call for uniform Friday sermons echoes that legacy, reviving fears that political parties could again dictate Muslim worship.

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Story summary

Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board proposed uniform Friday sermons, sparking controversy on October 13, 2026.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the proposal unacceptable BJP interference in Muslim religious affairs.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said a statutory body cannot dictate pulpit preaching.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti demanded the Waqf Board be transferred to the elected government.
BJP-appointed chairperson Darakshan Andrabi said a committee of imams will select topics and denied giving directives.

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