Monthly Archives: May 2023

India Action against Pahalgam Terror Attack

Current Affairs

India has consistently responded to cross-border terrorism, including attacks in regions like Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir), with a multi-pronged strategy that combines military action, diplomatic isolation of Pakistan, and legal-financial measures to dismantle terror networks. Here’s a breakdown of India’s approach to such Pakistan-backed attacks:

1. Immediate Security Response

  • Counter-Terrorism Operations: After any terror attack (e.g., the 2025 Pahalgam ambush targeting pilgrims), security forces launch intense cordon-and-search operations (CASO) to neutralize terrorists.

  • Enhanced Intelligence: Agencies like the NIA and J&K Police work to trace Pakistan-linked terror modules, often busting sleeper cells funded and armed by Pakistan-based groups like LeT or JeM.

2. Attributing the Attack to Pakistan

India presents evidence of Pakistan’s involvement through:

  • Technical Proof: Intercepts of communication between terrorists and Pakistan-based handlers.

  • Weapon Tracing: Recovery of Pakistani-made arms/ammunition (e.g., M4 carbines, grenades with Pakistani markings).

  • Dossiers to UN: India has submitted detailed dossiers (e.g., post-2019 Pulwama attack) to the UN, exposing Pakistan’s role in sheltering terrorists like Masood Azhar.

3. Diplomatic Offensive Against Pakistan

  • Global Shaming: India highlights Pakistan’s terrorism links at forums like the UN, FATF, and G20. This led to Pakistan’s grey-listing by FATF (2018–2022) for terror financing.

  • Bilateral Pressure: India rallies allies (e.g., U.S., France, UAE) to condemn Pakistan, weakening its international standing.

4. Military Retaliation

  • Surgical Strikes (2016): After the Uri attack, India conducted cross-border strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

  • Balakot Airstrike (2019): Following Pulwama, India targeted JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan, signaling a shift to preemptive strikes.

5. Legal & Financial Crackdowns

  • UAPA Bans: Groups like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen are banned under India’s Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

  • Asset Freezes: Terror funding networks are disrupted by seizing hawala transactions and properties linked to overground workers (OGWs).

6. Strengthening Kashmir’s Security Grid

  • Surveillance: Drones, RFID tagging of infiltrators, and tech-based counter-insurgency grids.

  • AFSPA Enforcement: Armed Forces Special Powers Act allows proactive operations in terror-prone zones.

7. Countering Pakistan’s Propaganda

  • Exposing False Narratives: India counters Pakistan’s “Kashmir victimhood” claims by showcasing terrorism’s human cost (e.g., Kashmiri Pandit exodus, targeted killings).

  • Digital Warfare: Monitoring and blocking Pakistan-based social media accounts spreading disinformation.

Key Outcome

Pakistan’s denials of involvement (e.g., “non-state actors” excuse) are increasingly rejected globally. India’s actions have degraded cross-border terror infrastructure, though challenges persist due to Pakistan’s deep-state support to proxies.

The WAQF Amendment Bill 2025

Constitution Of India, Current Affairs, GENERAL STUDIES & GK, News Update

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces key reforms in the management of waqf properties, which are assets dedicated to religious or charitable purposes in Islam. This bill amends the Waqf Act, 1995, to enhance transparency, prevent misuse, and introduce inclusivity in waqf administration. Below is a comprehensive explanation of its provisions, implications, and controversies.

What is Waqf?

Waqf refers to an endowment made by Muslims for religious, charitable, or social welfare purposes. These properties, once dedicated, are permanently managed by a Waqf Board and cannot be sold, transferred, or inherited. Examples include:

  • Mosques and madrasas
  • Graveyards
  • Schools, hospitals, and orphanages funded by waqf

Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

A. Structural Reforms

  1. Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members in Waqf Boards
    • The bill proposes the inclusion of non-Muslim representatives in central and state waqf boards to promote inclusivity and ensure secular governance of waqf properties.
  2. Abolition of ‘Waqf by User’
    • Under previous laws, a property could be declared as waqf if it had been used for religious activities over time, even without formal documentation.
    • The amendment removes this provision, requiring legal proof of waqf dedication.
  3. Verification of Waqf Declarations
    • The District Collector must verify any declaration of property as waqf, ensuring proper documentation and legal scrutiny.
  4. Eligibility Criteria for Waqf Dedications
    • Only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years can dedicate properties as waqf.
  5. Application of Limitation Act, 1963
    • The Limitation Act, which sets time limits on property disputes, will now apply to waqf cases, reducing prolonged litigation over waqf properties.
  6. Protection of Scheduled Tribe Lands
    • The bill prohibits the establishment of waqf on lands governed under Schedule V and VI of the Constitution, which are meant to protect tribal rights.

B. Financial and Administrative Reforms

  1. Mandatory Digital Records of Waqf Properties
    • Waqf Boards are now required to digitize all records and upload them to a centralized database to prevent fraud and illegal encroachments.
  2. Auditing and Financial Accountability
    • The bill mandates regular audits of waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and financial management.
  3. Restrictions on Selling or Leasing Waqf Land
    • Waqf land cannot be sold or leased without strict government oversight, preventing land grabbing and misuse.

Government’s Justification for the Bill

The government argues that the amendments are necessary to:

  • Curb corruption in waqf administration.
  • Ensure legal clarity and protect property rights.
  • Prevent unauthorized occupation of waqf lands.
  • Make waqf boards more inclusive and transparent.
  1. Opposition and Criticism

The bill has sparked significant debate, with opposition coming from various quarters:

  1. Concerns over Minority Rights
    • Critics argue that including non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards may interfere with the independence of Islamic institutions.
  2. Fear of Government Control
    • Some believe the bill gives the government greater control over Muslim religious assets, potentially undermining community autonomy.
  3. Impact on Religious Sites
    • Abolishing ‘Waqf by User’ could affect historical mosques and religious sites that lack proper documentation.
  4. Legal Complexities
    • The introduction of eligibility criteria for waqf declarations could restrict the ability of individuals to donate properties for charitable Islamic purposes.

Broader Implications

        Positive Outcomes
  • Greater transparency in waqf management.
  • Prevention of fraudulent waqf claims on disputed lands.
  • Better financial oversight of waqf properties.
         Potential Challenges
  • Legal battles over waqf properties.
  • Concerns about secular interference in religious matters.
  • Conflicts between community and government authorities over property rights.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is a significant reform that aims to modernize waqf governance, increase transparency, and prevent misuse of religious endowments. However, it has also led to concerns about government control, minority rights, and the future of historical waqf properties. As the bill progresses, its long-term impact on Muslim religious institutions and property rights will remain a subject of debate.