Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Jan 31: State Haj, Wakf and minority welfare minister, Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan, said that the survey work undertaken to protect Wakf lands from encroachments and illegal disposals, has completed survey of 20,000 properties, and that the entire survey work will be completed before the end of this year.

Speaking to reporters here on Sunday January 30, Khan observed that a big chunk of the land donated by donors for the welfare of the community in the name of the Almighty, has been siphoned off by politicians and caretakers of local mosques. He noted that the Wakf Act – 1995, and Public Properties Act have clearly banned such activities, and the courts have repeatedly given verdicts against such acts. He said illegal encroachment, grabbing, and disposal of Wakf properties, which are continuing even now, are violations of law.

The minister added that a plan to make vacant properties of the Wakf economically viable will be drawn. He cited the example of Belgaum, where about 200 acres of land has been given to a sugar factory, which brings an annual income of Rs 1.20 crore to Wakf Board. 

Former president of local municipality, Rajesh Bannur, Udupi district BJP Minorities Morcha president, Salim Udupi, Puttur taluk president of the Morcha, Abdul Kunhi Mundoor, BJP leader, Chandrashekhar Bappalige, taluk level leaders, Karim Cehnnavar, Usmal Nekkilu, and others were present.