Waqf Activists Face Brutal Attacks Amid Disputed Property Conflicts
Waqf activists in Hyderabad face severe threats, including life-threatening attacks while combating encroachments on disputed properties. Disputes persist despite court orders, putting both officials and community leaders at risk.
Highlights
- •Dangerous Attacks on Activists
- •Ongoing Disputes Over Waqf Properties
- •Long-Standing Issues Despite Legal Orders
- •Murders of Waqf Officials
Hyderabad: Waqf activists and officials fighting against alleged encroachments of Waqf properties are facing relentless threats, attacks, and even life-threatening situations. According to reports, several Waqf properties in the state remain under dispute with management issues unresolved for years.
The ongoing disputes have left those working towards resolving them vulnerable. For instance, Osman Bin Alhajri, president of Deccan Waqf Protection Society and a long-time advocate against encroachments on Toli Masjid lands spanning 27 acres, faced a life-threatening attack in 2016.
"Although the attack left me critically injured for nearly 10 days, I have continued my fight against encroachment. Even my son was attacked while attempting to protect an encroached property," Alhajri said, highlighting the ongoing struggles and dangers faced by activists. Toli Masjid, a site under dispute, has not seen any significant resolution despite High Court orders in 2017.
Attacks and Disputed Properties
Activists like Md. Habeebuddin also face threats due to the Waqf Board's weaknesses, citing instances where he raised issues of mismanagement only to be attacked by a self-styled management.
In addition to these direct attacks, security guards at sites under status quo orders have faced assaults from land sharks. Six months ago, security personnel protecting Idgah Alamgir, 90.17 acres of Waqf land in Guttala Begumpet, were attacked by land sharks.
Notably, Waqf officials also have not been spared from violence and murders. Back in the early 2000s, Abdul Khadeer, an assistant secretary, was allegedly murdered for opposing encroachments on Razak Manzil.
The continued neglect of these issues and the brutal attacks underscore a deep-seated problem within the management of Waqf properties. Local authorities must take immediate action to address these ongoing threats and resolve long-standing disputes.
