IUML chief dismisses Waqf row

Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, Indian Union Muslim League State president, downplayed controversy over the reconstitution of the State Waqf Board on Sunday.

All organisations represented

Thangal told media that all Muslim organisations had been given representation in the board and those left out could be considered for membership in other bodies.

Other bodies still to be formed

The Hajj Committee and the Madrasa Welfare Fund Board are yet to be reconstituted by the government, Thangal said, offering those excluded from the Waqf board positions there.

“The bodies such as the Hajj Committee and the Madrasa Welfare Fund Board are yet to be reconstituted by the government. Those who have not been included in the Waqf board will be considered for such bodies.”

Sunni faction criticises exclusion

The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama faction led by Sunni scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar had criticised the board, saying they were not given fair representation.

Thangal defends Samastha inclusion

Thangal said the reconstituted board included two Samastha representatives, including the chairman, and that Musthafal Faisy is also from the Samastha.

“There are two representatives from the Samastha. One is the chairman himself, who is among its prominent members. Musthafal Faisy is also from the Samastha.”

UDF kept Hajj Committee arrangement

Thangal maintained the United Democratic Front government did not change the arrangement where the Hajj Committee chairman remains a Kanthapuram faction representative.