Srinagar, April 4 -- Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a representative forum of Islamic scholars and religious organisations in Jammu & Kashmir headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Thursday expressed anguish over the passing of Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, calling it a 'deliberate attempt to undermine the religious and community institutions of Muslims and encroach upon them over time'.

The body said the Waqf has historically played a vital role in serving the socio-religious needs of the Muslim community and was vital to its sustenance.

"The amended bill is direct interference in the religious affairs of Muslims with a view to curtail the autonomy of these bodies by the Centre and control them further," the MMU said in a statement.

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