The SDPI organized a Wakf Rights Recovery Conference on January 19 at Ukkadam Lorry Pettai, Coimbatore. The party’s state president, Nellai Mubarak, attended the event along with several district leaders and administrators.
Prior to the conference, a rally was held to emphasize the importance of Wakf rights. Beginning at Karumbukkadai, the rally concluded at the Ukkadam Lorry Pettai conference venue. Thousands of people, including children and women, participated.
In his keynote address, Nellai Mubarak stated that the conference’s commencement in Coimbatore marked the beginning of a significant success. He criticized certain groups, claiming that even neighboring states have more awareness than Tamil Nadu. Referring to a controversial statement, he mentioned that Wakf laws not only protect places of worship but also safeguard the faiths of Hindus, Christians, and Muslims.
Mubarak highlighted the substantial land holdings under Wakf, claiming eight lakh acres are managed by them and emphasizing that not an inch would be surrendered. He criticized the Central Government’s new amendments to the Wakf Act, referring to it as a “Wakf Loot Act.” He also questioned the provision allowing district collectors to decide on Wakf matters, deeming it unjust.
The DMK government and Wakf Board were accused of severe injustice. Mubarak criticized the state government for its biased approach, claiming it applies different standards to different situations. He also highlighted the controversy surrounding Nagore and Sikandar Malai, questioning the government’s interference in religious matters.
Addressing other issues, Mubarak questioned the denial of sandalwood for Nagore by the DMK government while highlighting similar approvals during Jayalalithaa’s tenure. He accused the government of exploiting minority votes and questioned its stance on specific cases like that of Abubakkar Zakeer.
Mubarak condemned the DMK for supporting a law that denied bail to Zakeer and questioned whether the party has apologized for its errors. He cited examples of protests under Jayalalithaa’s rule and criticized the DMK for its inaction in minority-related issues, including the controversy surrounding the film Viswaroopam.
Regarding Periyar, Mubarak emphasized that SDPI respects his contributions as a symbol of social justice. However, he accused Stalin of remaining passive in critical moments and highlighted the efforts of other activists who fought for justice.
Mubarak claimed that no funds are allocated for Wakf properties, even though Tamil Nadu has two lakh acres of Wakf land, with only one lakh acres registered. He alleged corruption within the Wakf Board and stated that the fundamental problem lies with the DMK government. He concluded by asserting that protecting Wakf rights is a collective responsibility and that government intervention in these matters is unnecessary.
