Muslim United Front Opposes Move To Acquire Anjuman Lands

VIJAYAWADA: The Muslim United Front (MUF) on Sunday strongly opposed the preliminary notification issued by the Guntur district collector for the acquisition of Guntur Anjuman lands under the Land Acquisition Act, demanding its immediate withdrawal and warning of legal action if the move is not revoked.

The resolution was unanimously adopted at the Tenali Assembly constituency-level meeting of the MUF, held under the chairmanship of Guntur parliamentary constituency convener Sheikh Khalil. The meeting resolved to submit formal objections to the collector through the chief executive officer of the state Wakf Board and to pursue further legal remedies to safeguard the lands if the notification is not withdrawn.

Addressing the gathering, MUF state president Mohammed Kaleem said that attempts to acquire Wakf and Muslim religious institution lands were unprecedented and would deeply hurt the sentiments of the minority community. He recalled assurances given earlier by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that Wakf properties would be protected from encroachment and urged the Wakf Board to strictly adhere to that stand.

Sheikh Khalil alleged that Muslims were not receiving due priority under the present government and questioned the utilisation of funds earmarked for Muslim welfare in the state budget over the past 18 months. He demanded that the government release a white paper detailing the expenditure.

He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in Wakf administration, including reports of bargaining in mutawalli appointments and called for a transparent inquiry. Leaders from several constituencies attended the meeting, which also decided to convene a Guntur parliamentary constituency-level meeting within a fortnight to discuss community issues.