Srinagar, April 15 -- Speaking to the media, Sadiq said the reforms were part of a larger plan that began under the late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed's government and have since been used to bring Waqf properties under government control.

Sadiq alleged that the transformation of the Waqf Board into a government-controlled body began in 2003 during Mufti Sayeed's tenure, which he said, marked the beginning of systematic interference in the religious institutions.

He said that traditionally, local people managed Waqf affairs, but now the government officials can decide ownership of shrines, mosques and graveyards due to lack of documentation.

He said Waqf is a matter of community trust, created through voluntary contributions, and should be saf...