Karnataka Waqf Board Claims 17 Monuments in Bidar Fort

November 8, 2024

The Karnataka Board of Waqfs declared 17 monuments within the historic Bidar Fort as its property. This announcement has raised concerns and confusion among local authorities and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which manages the fort.

Background on Bidar Fort

Bidar Fort is an important historical site located in Karnataka. It houses numerous monuments, including mosques and tombs. The fort is a major landmark and a point of interest for both tourists and historians.

Waqf Board’s Declaration

The Karnataka Board of Waqfs identified 17 monuments as its own. This includes the famous 16-Khamba mosque and tombs of Bahmani rulers. The Waqf Board claims these properties belong to them, out of a total of 60 properties within the fort.

Response from the Archaeological Survey of India

The ASI, which has been responsible for the preservation of Bidar Fort for decades, was not informed about the Waqf Board’s claim. This lack of communication has led to confusion regarding the ownership and management of these historical sites.

Concerns from Waqf Board Officials

A senior official from the Waqf Board expressed concerns over misinformation related to their actions. They stated that no notices had been issued to the ASI, questioning how the Waqf Board could serve notices to an established custodian of historical monuments.

Withdrawal of Notices

The Waqf Board has decided to withdraw all notices related to the evictions of individuals occupying land for a long time. The official stressed that evicting long-term occupants would be unjust and illegal.

Impact on Local Farmers

The situation has prompted concerns among local farmers. Allegations have surfaced that the Waqf Board marked some farmers’ lands as Waqf properties without due process. Farmers from Vijayapura district have reported receiving notices and changes to their land records.

Government’s Response

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured farmers that they would not be evicted. He confirmed that any notices issued would be rescinded, aiming to alleviate fears among the agricultural community.

Joint Parliamentary Committee’s Involvement

Jagdambika Pal, Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, is scheduled to visit Karnataka on November 7. This visit aims to engage with farmers affected by the Waqf Board’s actions.

Farmers’ Complaints

Farmers have voiced their grievances about changes made to the RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops) and other land records. They claim these changes occurred without proper legal procedures.

Political Engagement

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has been actively involved in advocating for farmers. He requested the JPC to hear complaints from affected farmers, denoting the need for transparency and justice in land disputes.

The developments regarding the Waqf Board’s claims and the subsequent political and administrative responses reflect ongoing tensions between heritage conservation and land rights in Karnataka. The situation remains fluid as authorities seek to address the concerns of all stakeholders involved.

« Previous Post Next Post »