Waqf Land Issue: JPC Chief Jagdambika Pal to Visit Hubballi, Vijayapura

Bengaluru: Concerns around recent Waqf notices that have caused anxiety in parts of Karnataka have now gained attention at the central government level. Jagdambika Pal, Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, is set to visit Hubballi and Vijayapura on November 7 to discuss the matter with farmers, as confirmed by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya.

Tejasvi Surya, who is also a member of the JPC, has been actively involved in raising concerns on behalf of farmers affected by Waqf-related land disputes. In response to his appeal, Jagdambika Pal agreed to hold discussions with farmers from Vijayapura district, where the issues have particularly impacted agricultural communities. The visit will focus on addressing grievances related to alleged Waqf encroachments, aiming to bring clarity and a potential resolution for farmers facing uncertainties regarding their land.

According to Surya, “Jagdambika Pal has accepted my request to visit Hubballi and Vijayapura on November 7 to meet and converse with farmers who have been affected by Waqf encroachment concerns.” During this visit, Pal is expected to meet with representatives of various farmer organizations, offering them a platform to present their issues directly.

For nearly a century, many of these farmers have been cultivating their lands without interference, yet recent months have seen a series of unexpected Waqf notices. Surya expressed that these notices have declared several agricultural lands as Waqf property without proper documentation or explanation, creating confusion and tension among farmers. During her visit, Pal is also expected to review petitions submitted by local religious leaders and other community representatives, which will subsequently be presented to the JPC for further examination.