"Waqf Amendment Act is an interference with our religious matters": J-K MLA Irfan Hafeez

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 9 : Congress MLA Irfan Hafeez on Wednesday termed the Waqf Amendment Act a state interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community. He added that the demand for a discussion on the act in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was justified.
Hafeez accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of destroying the secularist identity of India.
"The Waqf Amendment Act is an interference to our religious matters, and the members have expressed their concern about it... We will not tolerate their interference in our religious matters. They (Central government) have divided our beautiful state," Hafeez told ANI.
"The Constitution and rule of law is being violated. Secularism is being brazenly violated. Federalism is under threat... It is the need of the hour to restore our identity of unity in diversity," he added.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has witnessed uproar for three consecutive days over the demand for a discussion of the Waqf Amendment Act.
On Wednesday, the MLAs from the treasury bench and those from the Opposition clashed in the House. The Assembly adjourned till 1 pm following the uproar.
Meanwhile, a scuffle broke out in the Assembly following comments made by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik on Hindus, leading to multiple MLAs being marshalled out by officials.
Reportedly, certain Bhartiya Janata Party MLAs objected to alleged comments made by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik, where he claimed that Hindus wear a 'tilak' but sin all the time.
Reacting to the comments, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa, who was in the assembly when the scuffle broke out, condemned Malik's comments.
"Today, he has insulted Hindus; will he do anything he wants? We will protest this; he has insulted Hindus, saying that Hindus wear tilak and sin, steal from people, and drink alcohol. We will tell him what Hindus do," he said.
Meanwhile, AAP MLA Mehraj Malik also got into a heated argument with PDP MLA Waheed Parra.
"You have been a traitor...he has brought in the mafia. There are so many people outside. Who are these people?" Malik told Para.
While talking with reporters, Malik said, "He tells me I have no respect or manners. Will he teach me?"
The AAP MLA further claimed that he had been attacked by BJP workers.
Awami Itehhad Party leader and MLA Salman Khursheed claimed that the NC-led government plans to adjourn the proceedings the whole day through various disruptions.