Kozhikode (Keralam) | Industries Minister and senior IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty on Monday said the concerns raised by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar faction of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama over the lack of representation in the reconstituted State Waqf Board were genuine and they will be addressed.
Kunhalikutty was speaking to reporters on his arrival for a meeting convened by Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal with leaders of various factions of the Muslim community here.
The Keralam government on Friday dissolved the Waqf Board headed by K S Hamsa, constituted by the previous LDF government in March this year, and appointed a new nine-member board despite more than four years remaining in the tenure of the old board.
The new board is headed by IUML leader M C Mayin Haji. The other members are IUML leader and MLA Kurukkoli Moideen, Musthafa Faizi, Siras D Capsi, Thodiyoor Muhammed Kunju Maulavi, Sajna Firoz, Jaseem Sabaha, Dr Abdul Majeed Swalahi and C Madina Begham.
Criticism from the A P faction has mounted since the reconstitution was announced. Kunhalikutty said the party had taken note of the faction's complaint and that efforts will be made to resolve the issue through discussions.
"Their concern is genuine. We have no difference of opinion on that. We will discuss the matter and explore ways to resolve it," he said.
He explained that the composition of the Waqf Board was subject to strict category-based representation requirements, which limited the government's options in selecting members.
"Under the new rules, there are several restrictions on the government's powers regarding the membership of the Waqf Board. Members have to be selected from specific categories, and that has created certain issues," he said.
Kunhalikutty said the omission was not deliberate and the party will explore whether a suitable arrangement could be worked out to ensure representation for the faction.
"It was not a deliberate attempt to exclude them. We will see whether there is a way to give them representation and resolve the matter through discussions," he said.
He added that it was not possible to accommodate every organisation in every committee, but efforts will be made to ensure broader representation in future appointments and arrangements.
Asked whether the A P faction will stay away from Monday's meeting, Kunhalikutty said reports to that effect were only rumours and that some factions might be unable to attend due to other engagements
